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A runner

After a holiday period filled with indulgent treats and downtime, numerous individuals enter the new year looking to get their fitness back on track.

But, is it possible that AI be transforming the fitness industry by providing an option to personal trainers?

Personalized Programs and Adaptable Schedules

Leah Walsh employed an AI tool for impromptu preparation for the a major running event.

The 21-year-old hailing from a town in Wales said she appreciated the freedom to pose queries at all hours – a feature she felt was not possible with a traditional coach.

Leah relied on an AI-powered fitness application that provided her personalised plans with voice guidance and pace setting for her first half marathon in 2024.

She said she requested it to design a plan merging cardio and the weight training, and it generated an multi-week programme tailored to her race date and goals.

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

The following year, she opted for a alternative application because it was cheaper and she could consult it whenever she wanted. She finished a minute faster than her goal time.

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

"Using artificial intelligence you have to find your own drive, which I actually prefer," she remarked.

A weightlifter

Remarkable Strength Improvements

In a similar case, Richard Gallimore, in his twenties, from Swansea, has been using AI for his exercise and nutrition programs, and reported he has achieved peak strength, increasing his bench press from a lower weight to a much heavier load.

Richard turned to a AI assistant for help after being unable to run a running event.

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

The free tool constructed a workout and diet plan tailored to his aims, and created structured routines.

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

The Cost Comparison: AI vs. Traditional Coaching

A recent survey in late 2024 analyzed prices for 17 of the biggest fitness chains and found the average membership cost was around £38 a month, based on basic memberships.

Fees ranged from a lower price at the most affordable chain to a premium rate at the highest-priced.

According to industry research, fitness coaches determine their own fees, usually £30-£65 per hour-long appointment in most areas and about £45-£65 in London.

Clients typically use a trainer one or two times a week and collaborate for a short period, however these agreements are often adaptable.

Dafydd Judd

The Essential Human Element

Personal trainer one experienced professional, based in Cardiff, said AI can be beneficial to accelerate results, but is convinced it will never replace the personal interaction and responsibility that live training offers.

This expert, who has over a decade of experience as a coach, focuses on older adults and injury rehabilitation. He said a number of his clients also use AI.

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

"I think the more that people are online the more they'll desire personal contact because they crave the warmth from the comprehension that is absent from a machine," he continued.

Dafydd said Artificial intelligence can inform users and make guidance more efficient.

But, he said real commitment comes when people show up in person for training.

"No matter how helpful as it is at 2am, a computer won't keep you accountable at early morning before work," he added.

For many, he said, the fitness center is a place to leave phones behind and stop being glued to screens.