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A runner

After a festive period filled with rich foods and downtime, numerous individuals enter January aiming to get their fitness back on track.

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

Personalized Plans and Adaptable Timelines

Leah Walsh employed an AI tool for impromptu training for the Cardiff Half Marathon.

This young woman hailing from Aberdare explained she appreciated the freedom to ask it questions at all hours – a feature she felt was unavailable with a personal trainer.

Leah relied on an AI-powered running app that gave her personalised plans with voice guidance and pace setting for her first long-distance race in 2024.

She said she requested it to design a regimen merging running and the weight training, and it produced an 11-week plan tailored to her event day and goals.

Leah then adjusted the plan to fit her daily routine, which she said was highly practical.

Subsequently, she opted for a different tool because it was cheaper and she could consult it at any time. Her result was a full minute quicker than her target finish.

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

"With AI you have to find your own drive, which I actually prefer," she added.

Richard Gallimore

Significant Strength Gains

Meanwhile, Richard Gallimore, 23, from Swansea, has been employing AI for his exercise and nutrition programs, and reported he has never felt stronger, boosting his bench press from 70kg to a much heavier load.

Richard resorted to a bot for assistance after being unable to run a running event.

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

This no-cost application constructed a fitness and meal program personalized to his aims, and created organized workouts.

"I work out for about 120 minutes a day and I've seen a real difference," he added.

The Cost Comparison: Technology vs. Traditional Training

A recent survey in late 2024 compared prices for 17 of the largest fitness chains and found the typical monthly fee was approximately forty pounds per month, based on basic memberships.

Fees ranged from a lower price at the cheapest chain to a premium rate at the most expensive.

Based on further data, personal trainers set their own rates, typically a range of thirty to sixty-five pounds per 45-60 minute session outside London and about a similar range in the capital.

Customers will often hire a coach one or two times a week and collaborate for a few months, but these arrangements are often adaptable.

Dafydd Judd

The Irreplaceable Human Touch

Personal trainer one experienced professional, based in Cardiff, acknowledged AI can be useful to speed up progress, but is convinced it will never replace the personal interaction and accountability that live training provides.

This expert, who has over a decade of experience as a trainer, focuses on senior clients and injury rehabilitation. He said some of his clients also employ AI.

"In my opinion it's very valuable, additional information is good," he stated.

"I think the more people are online the more they'll desire human connection because they want the empathy from the comprehension that is missing from a computer," he added.

The trainer said Artificial intelligence can educate clients and make guidance more efficient.

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

"As useful as it is at the middle of the night, a digital tool cannot ensure you show up at 7am before work," Dafydd added.

For many, he suggested, the fitness center is a place to leave phones behind and take a break from technology.