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Leah Walsh

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

But, is it possible that Artificial Intelligence be transforming the fitness industry by offering an option to personal trainers?

Personalized Programs and Flexible Timelines

One fitness enthusiast used an artificial intelligence application for last-minute training for the Cardiff Half Marathon.

This young woman from Aberdare explained she appreciated the freedom to pose queries at all hours – a feature she felt was not possible with a traditional coach.

She relied on an AI-powered running app that provided her personalised plans with voice guidance and speed targets for her first long-distance race in recent years.

She said she requested it to create a plan merging cardio and the weight training, and it produced an 11-week programme tailored to her event day and objectives.

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

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

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

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

Richard Gallimore

Remarkable Strength Gains

In a similar case, Richard Gallimore, in his twenties, based in a Welsh city, has been employing AI for his exercise and nutrition programs, and said he has never felt stronger, increasing his bench press from 70kg to a much heavier load.

Richard turned to a bot for help after being forced to walk a race.

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

This no-cost application built a fitness and meal program tailored to his goals, and created organized workouts.

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

The Cost Comparison: AI vs. Traditional Training

A recent study in late 2024 compared prices for 17 of the largest fitness chains and found the average membership cost was around £38 a month, based on basic full-access plans.

Fees ranged from a lower price at the cheapest chain to £132 at the highest-priced.

Based on further data, personal trainers set their own rates, usually a range of thirty to sixty-five pounds per hour-long appointment in most areas and about a similar range in London.

Customers will often hire a trainer one or two times a week and collaborate for a short period, however these agreements are completely flexible.

Dafydd Judd

The Irreplaceable Human Element

Fitness coach Dafydd Judd, from Cardiff, said artificial intelligence can be useful to accelerate results, but believes it will not supplant the human connection and responsibility that live training provides.

The 37-year-old, who has 12 years experience as a trainer, specialises in older adults and injury rehabilitation. He said a number of his clients also employ AI.

"I think it's extremely useful, more knowledge is positive," he said.

"I think the more that people are online the more they'll desire human connection because they want the warmth from the comprehension that is absent from a machine," he added.

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

But, he said real commitment comes when people appear physically for training.

"As useful as it is at the middle of the night, a digital tool cannot ensure you show up at 7am before work," Dafydd added.

For many, he suggested, the gym is a place to disconnect from devices and stop being glued to screens.