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Leah Walsh

Following a festive period packed with rich foods and relaxation, numerous individuals head into January aiming to get their fitness back on track.

But, could Artificial Intelligence be transforming the world of exercise by providing an alternative to personal trainers?

Personalized Programs and Flexible Schedules

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

This young woman hailing from a town in Wales said she liked the liberty to pose queries at all hours – something she believed was unavailable with a personal trainer.

She used an AI-driven fitness application that provided her personalised plans with voice guidance and pace setting for her inaugural half marathon in recent years.

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

The user then adjusted the schedule to fit her lifestyle, which she said was convenient.

Subsequently, she chose a different tool because it was cheaper and she could ask it questions at any time. Her result was a minute faster than her target finish.

She said she wanted to avoid feeling pressure from a live instructor.

"With artificial intelligence you have to find your own drive, which I quite like," she remarked.

A weightlifter

Significant Fitness Improvements

Meanwhile, Another individual, 23, from a Welsh city, has been using artificial intelligence for his fitness and diet plans, and reported he has achieved peak strength, boosting his chest press from a lower weight to 110kg.

He resorted to a bot for help after being forced to walk a running event.

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

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

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

The Expense Comparison: AI vs. Traditional Coaching

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

Fees started at a lower price at the most affordable provider to a premium rate at the most expensive.

Based on further data, fitness coaches set their own rates, typically a range of thirty to sixty-five pounds per hour-long appointment in most areas and about a similar range in the capital.

Clients typically use a coach once or twice a week and work with them for a few months, but these arrangements are completely flexible.

Dafydd Judd

The Essential Personal Touch

Personal trainer Dafydd Judd, based in Cardiff, said artificial intelligence can be useful to accelerate results, but believes it will not supplant the human connection and accountability that in-person coaching provides.

This expert, 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 use AI.

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

"I think the more people are connected digitally the more they'll want personal contact because they crave the warmth from the comprehension that is absent from a computer," he added.

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

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

"As useful as it is at the middle of the night, a computer cannot ensure you show up at early morning before work," Dafydd concluded.

In the view of many, he said, the fitness center is a space to disconnect from devices and stop being glued to screens.