🔗 Share this article

Leah Walsh

Following a holiday period filled with indulgent treats and relaxation, numerous individuals enter the new year aiming to regain their fitness momentum.

But, is it possible that AI be changing the fitness industry by offering an option to personal trainers?

Personalized Plans and Adaptable Schedules

Leah Walsh used an artificial intelligence application for last-minute training for the Cardiff Half Marathon.

The 21-year-old from a town in Wales explained she appreciated the freedom to pose queries any time of day – a feature she believed was not possible with a traditional coach.

Leah relied on an AI-powered fitness application that provided her personalised plans with audio coaching and pace setting for her inaugural half marathon in 2024.

She said she requested it to create a regimen merging running and the gym, and it produced an multi-week plan tailored to her race date and objectives.

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

The following year, she chose a different tool because it was more affordable and she could consult it at any time. She finished a minute faster than her goal time.

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

"Using AI you have to find your own drive, which I quite like," she remarked.

A weightlifter

Significant Strength Improvements

In a similar case, Richard Gallimore, 23, based in Swansea, has been employing AI for his exercise and nutrition programs, and reported he has achieved peak strength, increasing his chest press from a lower weight to 110kg.

He turned to a bot for help after being forced to walk a race.

"I realized I had to sort myself out," he said.

This no-cost application constructed a fitness and meal program personalized to his aims, and established structured routines.

"I train for about 120 minutes a day and I've seen a noticeable change," he added.

The Cost Comparison: AI vs. Traditional Coaching

One recent survey in late 2024 analyzed prices for 17 of the largest gym brands and found the average membership cost was around £38 per month, for basic full-access plans.

Fees ranged from a lower price at the cheapest chain to £132 at the highest-priced.

Based on industry research, fitness coaches determine their own fees, usually a range of thirty to sixty-five pounds per 45-60 minute appointment outside London and about a similar range in the capital.

Customers will often use a trainer one or two times a week and collaborate for a few months, however these arrangements are completely flexible.

Dafydd Judd

The Essential Personal Touch

Fitness coach one experienced professional, from the Welsh capital, acknowledged artificial intelligence can be useful to speed up progress, but is convinced it will never replace the personal interaction and responsibility that live training provides.

The 37-year-old, who has over a decade of experience as a trainer, specialises in older adults and recovery from injuries. He said a number of his trainees also employ technology.

"I think it's extremely useful, more knowledge is positive," he stated.

"I believe the more people are connected digitally the more they'll desire human connection because they crave the warmth from the understanding that is missing from a machine," he continued.

Dafydd explained Artificial intelligence can educate clients and make guidance more effective.

But, he said real commitment comes when people show up physically for training.

"No matter how helpful as it is at the middle of the night, a computer won't keep you accountable at early morning before work," he added.

For many, he said, the gym is a space to leave phones behind and stop being glued to screens.