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A runner

Following a holiday period packed with indulgent treats and downtime, many people head into January aiming to regain their fitness momentum.

But, is it possible that AI be changing the world of exercise by offering an alternative to personal trainers?

Personalized Plans and Flexible Schedules

One fitness enthusiast employed an AI tool for impromptu training for the Cardiff Half Marathon.

The 21-year-old hailing from a town in Wales said she liked the freedom to ask it questions at all hours – a feature she felt was unavailable with a traditional coach.

Leah relied on an AI-powered fitness application that provided her personalised plans with voice guidance and speed targets for her first long-distance race in 2024.

She said she requested it to create a regimen combining cardio and the weight training, and it produced an multi-week plan customized to her event day and objectives.

The user then tweaked the plan to fit her daily routine, which she described was highly practical.

The following year, she chose a alternative application because it was more affordable and she could ask it questions whenever she wanted. Her result was a minute faster than her target finish.

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

"With AI you have to motivate yourself, which I actually prefer," she added.

Richard Gallimore

Significant Strength Gains

Meanwhile, Another individual, 23, from a Welsh city, has been using artificial intelligence for his fitness and diet plans, and reported he has never felt stronger, boosting his chest press from a lower weight to 110kg.

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

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

This no-cost application built a workout and diet plan tailored to his aims, and created organized workouts.

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

The Cost Contrast: Technology vs. Traditional Coaching

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

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

According to industry research, fitness coaches determine their own fees, usually £30-£65 per hour-long session outside London and about a similar range in the capital.

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

A personal trainer

The Essential Human Element

Personal trainer one experienced professional, from Cardiff, said artificial intelligence can be useful to accelerate results, but is convinced it will never replace the personal interaction and accountability that in-person coaching provides.

This expert, who has 12 years experience as a coach, focuses on senior clients and recovery from injuries. He mentioned some of his trainees also employ AI.

"In my opinion it's extremely useful, more knowledge is positive," 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.

The trainer said AI can educate clients and make guidance more effective.

However, he said true dedication comes when people appear physically for training.

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

In the view of many, he suggested, the fitness center is a place to disconnect from devices and take a break from technology.