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A runner

Following a holiday period filled with indulgent treats and downtime, numerous individuals head into January looking to get their fitness back on track.

But, could AI be transforming the fitness industry by offering an alternative to personal trainers?

Personalized Plans and Adaptable Schedules

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

This young woman from Aberdare explained she liked the freedom to pose queries any time of day – a feature she felt was not possible with a personal trainer.

Leah used an AI-powered fitness application that gave her customized schedules with audio coaching and pace setting for her inaugural half marathon in 2024.

She said she requested it to create a plan combining running and the gym, and it produced an 11-week plan customized to her race date and objectives.

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

Subsequently, she opted for a different tool because it was cheaper and she could ask it questions whenever she wanted. She finished a minute faster than her target finish.

She noted she did not want the pressure from a live instructor.

"With artificial intelligence you have to motivate yourself, which I quite like," she added.

A weightlifter

Significant Fitness Gains

In a similar case, Another individual, in his twenties, from Swansea, has been employing AI for his fitness and diet plans, and reported he has achieved peak strength, boosting his bench press from a lower weight to a much heavier load.

He turned to a AI assistant for assistance after being forced to walk a running event.

"I realized I need to get myself in shape," he said.

The free tool constructed a workout and diet plan personalized to his aims, and created organized workouts.

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

The Cost Contrast: Technology vs. Traditional Coaching

A recent study in late 2024 compared costs for 17 of the biggest fitness chains and found the typical monthly fee was approximately forty pounds per month, for standard memberships.

Prices started at £23 at the cheapest chain to £132 at the most expensive.

According to industry research, fitness coaches determine their own fees, usually £30-£65 per hour-long session in most areas and about £45-£65 in London.

Customers will often use a coach one or two times a week and work with them for a short period, however these arrangements are often adaptable.

A personal trainer

The Irreplaceable Human Element

Personal trainer Dafydd Judd, from Cardiff, said artificial intelligence can be useful to speed up progress, but is convinced it will not supplant the human connection and accountability that live training provides.

The 37-year-old, who has over a decade of experience as a coach, focuses on older adults and recovery from injuries. He said some of his trainees also employ technology.

"In my opinion it's extremely useful, more knowledge is good," he stated.

"I believe the more people are online the more they'll desire personal contact because they want the empathy from the comprehension that is absent from a computer," he added.

Dafydd said AI can educate users and make coaching more effective.

But, he argued true dedication 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 concluded.

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