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A runner

After a festive period filled with indulgent treats and downtime, many people enter January looking to regain their fitness momentum.

However, is it possible that Artificial Intelligence be transforming the world of exercise by providing an option to personal trainers?

Tailored Plans and Flexible Timelines

Leah Walsh employed an AI tool for impromptu training for the a major running event.

This young woman from a town in Wales explained she appreciated the liberty to ask it questions at all hours – a feature she believed was unavailable with a personal trainer.

She used an AI-driven fitness application that provided her personalised plans with voice guidance and pace setting for her first half marathon in 2024.

She said she asked it to create a regimen combining running and the gym, and it produced an multi-week programme customized to her race date and goals.

Leah then tweaked the schedule to suit her daily routine, which she said was highly practical.

The following year, she chose a different tool because it was more affordable and she could ask it questions whenever she wanted. Her result was a minute faster than her target finish.

She said she wanted to avoid feeling pressure from a human personal trainer.

"Using AI you have to motivate yourself, which I actually prefer," she added.

A weightlifter

Remarkable Fitness Improvements

Meanwhile, Another individual, in his twenties, based in a Welsh city, has been using AI for his fitness and diet plans, and reported he has achieved peak strength, boosting his chest press from 70kg to 110kg.

He resorted to a AI assistant for assistance after being unable to run a running event.

"I just knew I had to sort myself out," he said.

The free tool built a workout and diet plan personalized to his aims, and created structured routines.

"I train for about 120 minutes a day and I've seen a real difference," he said.

The Expense Comparison: AI vs. Traditional Coaching

A recent survey in late 2024 analyzed prices for numerous of the biggest gym brands and found the average membership cost was around £38 a month, based on basic full-access plans.

Prices ranged from £23 at the cheapest provider to £132 at the highest-priced.

According to further data, fitness coaches set their own rates, usually a range of thirty to sixty-five pounds per 45-60 minute session in most areas and about a similar range in London.

Customers will often use a coach one or two times a week and collaborate for a short period, but these agreements are often adaptable.

Dafydd Judd

The Irreplaceable Personal Touch

Fitness coach one experienced professional, based in the Welsh capital, acknowledged artificial intelligence can be useful to speed up progress, but believes it will not supplant the human connection and responsibility that live training offers.

This expert, who has 12 years experience as a trainer, specialises in senior clients and injury rehabilitation. He said a number of his trainees also employ technology.

"In my opinion it's extremely useful, more knowledge is positive," he said.

"I believe the more people are connected digitally the more they'll want human connection because they crave the warmth from the comprehension that is missing from a computer," he added.

Dafydd said Artificial intelligence can inform users and make guidance more efficient.

However, he argued real commitment comes when people show up physically for training.

"No matter how helpful as it is at 2am, a computer won't keep you accountable at early morning before work," Dafydd added.

In the view of many, he suggested, the fitness center is a space to leave phones behind and take a break from technology.