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Leah Walsh

Following a festive period packed with rich foods and relaxation, many people head into the new year aiming to get their fitness back on track.

But, could AI be transforming the world of exercise by offering an option to personal trainers?

Personalized Plans and Flexible Timelines

One fitness enthusiast used an artificial intelligence application for impromptu preparation for the Cardiff Half Marathon.

This young woman hailing from a town in Wales explained she appreciated the freedom to ask it questions any time of day – a feature she felt was unavailable with a traditional coach.

Leah used an AI-driven running app that provided her personalised plans with audio coaching and speed targets for her first half marathon in 2024.

She said she asked it to create a plan combining running and the gym, and it generated an multi-week plan tailored to her race date and objectives.

Leah then adjusted the schedule to suit her daily routine, which she said was convenient.

Subsequently, she opted for a alternative application because it was more affordable and she could ask it questions at any time. Her result was a minute faster than her target finish.

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

"Using AI you have to motivate yourself, which I quite like," she remarked.

Richard Gallimore

Remarkable Fitness Gains

Meanwhile, Richard Gallimore, in his twenties, based in Swansea, has been using artificial intelligence for his fitness and diet plans, and said he has never felt stronger, increasing his chest press from a lower weight to a much heavier load.

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

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

The free tool constructed a fitness and meal program personalized to his aims, and established structured routines.

"I work out for about two hours a day and I've seen a noticeable change," he added.

The Cost Contrast: Technology vs. Conventional Coaching

One recent study in late 2024 compared costs for 17 of the biggest gym brands and found the average membership cost was approximately forty pounds a month, based on basic memberships.

Prices ranged from £23 at the cheapest provider to £132 at the most expensive.

Based on industry research, fitness coaches determine their own fees, typically a range of thirty to sixty-five pounds per hour-long session outside London and about a similar range in London.

Clients typically use a coach once or twice a week and work with them for a short period, however these agreements are often adaptable.

Dafydd Judd

The Irreplaceable Personal Touch

Fitness coach Dafydd Judd, from Cardiff, said artificial intelligence can be beneficial to speed up progress, but believes it will never replace the personal interaction and responsibility that live training offers.

The 37-year-old, who has over a decade of experience as a coach, specialises in senior clients and recovery from injuries. He said a number of his clients also use AI.

"I think it's very valuable, more knowledge is positive," he said.

"I believe the more that people are online the more they'll want human connection because they want the empathy from the comprehension that is absent from a machine," he continued.

Dafydd explained Artificial intelligence can educate clients and make coaching more efficient.

However, he argued true dedication comes when people show up in person for their sessions.

"No matter how helpful as it is at 2am, a computer cannot ensure you show up at 7am before work," he concluded.

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