🔗 Share this article

Leah Walsh

Following a festive period filled with rich foods and downtime, numerous individuals enter the new year looking to get their fitness back on track.

However, could AI be transforming the fitness industry by offering an alternative to personal trainers?

Personalized Plans and Flexible Schedules

Leah Walsh used an artificial intelligence application for last-minute preparation for the a major running event.

This young woman from Aberdare explained she liked the freedom to ask it questions any time of day – something she felt was not possible with a traditional coach.

She used an AI-driven running app that gave her customized schedules with voice guidance and pace setting for her inaugural long-distance race in 2024.

She said she requested it to design 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 suit her daily routine, which she described was convenient.

Subsequently, she chose a different tool because it was cheaper and she could consult it whenever she wanted. Her result was 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 quite like," she remarked.

A weightlifter

Significant Strength Gains

In a similar case, Richard Gallimore, in his twenties, from a Welsh city, has been employing artificial intelligence for his exercise and nutrition programs, and said he has achieved peak strength, increasing his bench press from a lower weight to a much heavier load.

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

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

The free tool built a workout and diet plan tailored to his goals, and created organized workouts.

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

The Cost Contrast: AI vs. Traditional Coaching

One recent survey in late 2024 analyzed costs for 17 of the largest gym brands and found the typical monthly fee was approximately forty pounds per month, based on basic memberships.

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

According to industry research, fitness coaches set their own rates, typically £30-£65 per hour-long session in most areas and about £45-£65 in the capital.

Clients will often use a coach once or twice a week and work with them for a short period, however these arrangements are completely flexible.

Dafydd Judd

The Irreplaceable Personal Element

Fitness coach Dafydd Judd, based in Cardiff, acknowledged AI can be beneficial to accelerate results, but is convinced it will not supplant the personal interaction and responsibility that live training provides.

The 37-year-old, who has 12 years experience as a trainer, focuses on older adults and recovery from injuries. He mentioned a number of his clients also employ AI.

"In my opinion it's very valuable, additional information is positive," he said.

"I believe the more people are connected digitally the more they'll want personal contact because they crave the empathy from the understanding that is missing from a machine," he continued.

The trainer said AI can inform clients and make coaching more effective.

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

"No matter how helpful as it is at the middle of the night, a computer won't keep you accountable at early morning before work," Dafydd added.

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