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Leah Walsh

After a festive period packed with rich foods and downtime, many people enter the new year looking to regain their fitness momentum.

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

Personalized Plans and Adaptable Timelines

Leah Walsh used an AI tool for last-minute training for the Cardiff Half Marathon.

This young woman hailing from a town in Wales said she liked the freedom to pose queries any time of day – a feature she felt was unavailable with a traditional coach.

Leah relied on an AI-powered fitness application that gave her personalised plans with voice guidance and pace setting for her first long-distance race in recent years.

She said she asked it to design a plan combining cardio and the gym, and it produced an multi-week plan tailored to her race date and objectives.

Leah then tweaked the plan to suit her daily routine, which she said was highly practical.

Subsequently, she opted for a different tool because it was more affordable and she could consult it at any time. She finished a minute faster than her goal time.

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

"Using AI you have to motivate yourself, which I actually prefer," she remarked.

Richard Gallimore

Remarkable Strength Improvements

In a similar case, Richard Gallimore, 23, based in 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 110kg.

He resorted to a AI assistant for assistance after being forced to walk a running event.

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

The free tool constructed a fitness and meal program tailored to his aims, and established organized workouts.

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

The Expense Comparison: Technology vs. Conventional Training

A recent study in late 2024 compared costs for 17 of the largest gym brands and found the average membership cost was around £38 a month, for basic memberships.

Fees started at a lower price at the cheapest chain to a premium rate at the most expensive.

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

Clients will often use a trainer one or two times a week and work with them for a short period, however these arrangements are often adaptable.

A personal trainer

The Essential Personal Element

Personal trainer Dafydd Judd, based in the Welsh capital, acknowledged AI can be beneficial to speed up progress, but believes it will not supplant the human connection and responsibility that live training offers.

The 37-year-old, who has over a decade of experience as a coach, specialises in older adults and recovery from injuries. He said some of his trainees also employ technology.

"I think it's very valuable, additional information is good," he said.

"I think the more people are online the more they'll want personal contact because they want the warmth from the comprehension that is absent from a computer," he added.

Dafydd said AI can educate clients and make guidance more efficient.

But, he argued true dedication comes when people show up physically for training.

"No matter how helpful as it is at 2am, a digital tool cannot ensure you show up at early morning before work," he concluded.

In the view of many, he suggested, the fitness center is a space to leave phones behind and take a break from technology.