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A runner

Following a holiday period packed with rich foods and downtime, many people enter January aiming to regain their fitness momentum.

But, is it possible that Artificial Intelligence be transforming the world of exercise by providing an alternative to personal trainers?

Personalized Plans and Flexible Timelines

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

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

She relied on an AI-powered fitness application that provided her customized schedules with voice guidance and speed targets for her inaugural half marathon in 2024.

She explained she asked it to create a regimen combining running and the weight training, and it produced an multi-week programme tailored to her event day and goals.

The user then adjusted the schedule to fit her lifestyle, which she described was highly practical.

Subsequently, she chose a alternative application because it was cheaper and she could consult it at any time. She finished a full minute quicker than her goal time.

She noted she did not want the pressure from a human personal trainer.

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

Richard Gallimore

Significant Strength Gains

Meanwhile, Richard Gallimore, in his twenties, from a Welsh city, has been using AI for his exercise and nutrition programs, and reported he has never felt stronger, boosting his chest press from 70kg to a much heavier load.

He turned to a AI assistant for help after being forced to walk a race.

"I just knew I had to get myself in shape," he commented.

This no-cost application constructed 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 Contrast: Technology vs. Traditional Coaching

One recent study in late 2024 analyzed costs for numerous of the biggest fitness chains and found the average membership cost was around £38 per month, for standard memberships.

Prices ranged from a lower price at the most affordable provider to £132 at the most expensive.

Based on industry research, personal trainers set their own rates, usually a range of thirty to sixty-five pounds per hour-long session in most areas and about a similar range in the capital.

Customers typically use a trainer one or two times a week and collaborate for a short period, but these arrangements are often adaptable.

Dafydd Judd

The Irreplaceable Human Touch

Fitness coach Dafydd Judd, based in the Welsh capital, acknowledged AI 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, focuses on older adults and recovery from injuries. He said some of his trainees also use AI.

"In my opinion it's very valuable, additional information 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 missing from a computer," he continued.

The trainer explained AI can educate clients and make coaching more effective.

However, he said true dedication comes when people appear in person for their sessions.

"No matter how helpful as it is at 2am, a computer cannot ensure you show up at 7am before work," Dafydd added.

For many, he suggested, the fitness center is a place to leave phones behind and take a break from technology.