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Leah Walsh

After a holiday period filled with indulgent treats and relaxation, many people enter January looking to get their fitness back on track.

But, could Artificial Intelligence be changing the world of exercise by offering an alternative to personal trainers?

Tailored Plans and Flexible Schedules

Leah Walsh employed an AI tool for impromptu preparation for the Cardiff Half Marathon.

The 21-year-old hailing from Aberdare explained she liked the liberty to pose queries at all hours – a feature she believed was not possible with a personal trainer.

She used an AI-powered running app that provided her customized schedules with voice guidance and pace setting for her first half marathon in 2024.

She explained she asked it to design a plan combining cardio and the gym, and it generated an multi-week programme customized to her race date and goals.

Leah then tweaked the plan to suit her lifestyle, which she said was convenient.

Subsequently, she opted for a alternative application because it was cheaper and she could consult it whenever she wanted. She finished a full minute quicker than her target finish.

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

"Using AI you have to motivate yourself, which I quite like," she added.

Richard Gallimore

Remarkable Strength Improvements

In a similar case, Richard Gallimore, in his twenties, from a Welsh city, has been using AI for his fitness and diet plans, and reported he has achieved peak strength, boosting his chest press from 70kg to 110kg.

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

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

The free tool constructed 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 said.

The Cost Contrast: Technology vs. Traditional Training

A recent survey in late 2024 analyzed costs for numerous of the largest gym brands and found the typical monthly fee was approximately forty pounds a month, based on standard full-access plans.

Prices started at 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, typically £30-£65 per hour-long session in most areas and about £45-£65 in the capital.

Clients typically hire a coach one or two times a week and work with them for a short period, but these arrangements are completely flexible.

Dafydd Judd

The Irreplaceable Personal Element

Personal trainer Dafydd Judd, based in Cardiff, said artificial intelligence can be beneficial to accelerate results, but is convinced it will never replace the personal interaction and responsibility that in-person coaching provides.

The 37-year-old, who has 12 years experience as a coach, focuses on older adults and injury rehabilitation. He mentioned a number of his trainees also employ technology.

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

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

Dafydd explained AI can educate clients and make guidance more effective.

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

"As useful as it is at the middle of the night, a computer won't keep you accountable at early morning before work," Dafydd added.

In the view of many, he suggested, the fitness center is a space to disconnect from devices and stop being glued to screens.