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Leah Walsh

After a holiday period filled with rich foods and relaxation, numerous individuals enter January aiming to regain their fitness momentum.

However, could AI be transforming the fitness industry by offering an option to personal trainers?

Personalized Programs and Flexible Timelines

One fitness enthusiast employed an AI tool for last-minute training for the Cardiff Half Marathon.

The 21-year-old from Aberdare explained she appreciated the freedom to ask it questions at all hours – a feature she believed was not possible with a personal trainer.

She used an AI-driven fitness application that gave her personalised plans with audio coaching and speed targets for her first half marathon in recent years.

She said she asked it to create a plan merging cardio and the gym, and it generated an 11-week plan customized to her race date and goals.

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

Subsequently, she chose a alternative application because it was more affordable and she could consult it at any time. Her result was a minute faster than her goal time.

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

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

A weightlifter

Remarkable Fitness Gains

In a similar case, Another individual, in his twenties, based in Swansea, has been using AI for his fitness and diet plans, and said he has achieved peak strength, increasing his chest press from 70kg to a much heavier load.

Richard resorted to a AI assistant for assistance after being forced to walk a running event.

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

This no-cost application constructed a workout and diet plan tailored to his goals, and created structured routines.

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

The Expense Comparison: AI vs. Traditional Training

One recent survey in late 2024 compared prices for 17 of the biggest gym brands and found the average membership cost was around £38 per month, based on standard full-access plans.

Prices started at £23 at the most affordable provider to a premium rate at the highest-priced.

Based on further data, personal trainers determine their own fees, typically £30-£65 per 45-60 minute appointment outside London and about a similar range in the capital.

Clients typically hire a trainer once or twice a week and collaborate for a short period, however these arrangements are often adaptable.

Dafydd Judd

The Essential Human Element

Fitness coach one experienced professional, from the Welsh capital, acknowledged AI can be beneficial to accelerate results, but believes it will never replace the personal interaction and responsibility that live training offers.

This expert, who has over a decade of experience as a coach, specialises in older adults and recovery from injuries. He said a number of his clients also use technology.

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

"I believe the more people are connected digitally the more they'll want personal contact because they crave the empathy from the understanding that is missing from a machine," he added.

Dafydd said Artificial intelligence can educate clients and make coaching more effective.

However, he argued real commitment comes when people appear in person for training.

"No matter how helpful as it is at 2am, a digital tool won't keep you accountable at 7am before work," he concluded.

In the view of many, he said, the fitness center is a space to leave phones behind and stop being glued to screens.