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Leah Walsh

After a festive period filled with rich foods and relaxation, many people head into the new year looking to regain their fitness momentum.

However, could Artificial Intelligence be changing the fitness industry by offering an alternative to personal trainers?

Tailored Plans and Adaptable Timelines

One fitness enthusiast employed an artificial intelligence application for last-minute training for the a major running event.

This young woman from Aberdare explained she appreciated the liberty to pose queries any time of day – a feature she felt was not possible with a traditional coach.

Leah relied on an AI-driven running app that gave her customized schedules with audio coaching and speed targets for her first long-distance race in 2024.

She explained she requested it to create a regimen merging cardio and the weight training, and it produced an 11-week plan tailored to her race date and goals.

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

Subsequently, she opted for a alternative application because it was more affordable and she could consult it whenever she wanted. Her result was a minute faster than her goal time.

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

"Using AI you have to find your own drive, which I quite like," she remarked.

Richard Gallimore

Significant Strength Gains

In a similar case, Another individual, in his twenties, based in a Welsh city, has been using artificial intelligence for his exercise and nutrition programs, and reported he has never felt stronger, boosting his bench press from 70kg to 110kg.

Richard resorted to a bot for assistance after being unable to run a running event.

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

The free tool built a workout and diet plan personalized to his goals, and established structured routines.

"I train for about two hours a day and I've seen a real difference," he added.

The Cost Contrast: AI vs. Traditional Coaching

A recent survey in the previous year analyzed prices for 17 of the largest gym brands and found the typical monthly fee was around £38 per month, based on basic full-access plans.

Fees started at a lower price at the most affordable provider to £132 at the highest-priced.

According to industry research, personal trainers determine their own fees, typically £30-£65 per 45-60 minute session outside London and about a similar range in London.

Clients typically use a trainer one or two times a week and work with them for a short period, however these arrangements are completely flexible.

Dafydd Judd

The Essential Human Touch

Fitness coach one experienced professional, from the Welsh capital, acknowledged artificial intelligence can be beneficial to speed up progress, but believes it will never replace the personal interaction and responsibility that live training offers.

This expert, who has 12 years experience as a trainer, focuses on older adults and injury rehabilitation. He said a number of his trainees also use AI.

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

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

The trainer said Artificial intelligence can educate clients and make coaching more effective.

However, he said real commitment comes when people appear in person for training.

"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 stop being glued to screens.