🔗 Share this article

Leah Walsh

After a festive period packed with indulgent treats and downtime, many people head into the new year aiming to regain their fitness momentum.

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

Tailored Programs and Flexible Timelines

One fitness enthusiast employed an artificial intelligence application for last-minute training for the Cardiff Half Marathon.

This young woman hailing from Aberdare said she liked the liberty to ask it questions at all hours – something she believed was not possible with a personal trainer.

Leah relied on an AI-powered running app that gave her personalised plans with voice guidance and pace setting for her inaugural half marathon in 2024.

She explained she requested it to design a plan merging running and the weight training, and it generated an multi-week plan customized to her race date and goals.

Leah then adjusted the schedule to suit her daily routine, which she described was convenient.

The following year, she chose a alternative application because it was more affordable and she could ask it questions at any time. Her result was a minute faster than her target finish.

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

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

A weightlifter

Significant Fitness Improvements

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 achieved peak strength, boosting his bench press from a lower weight to 110kg.

He resorted to a bot for help after being forced to walk a running event.

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

This no-cost application 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 Comparison: Technology vs. Traditional Coaching

One recent study in late 2024 analyzed costs for numerous of the largest gym brands and found the typical monthly fee was approximately forty pounds per month, for standard memberships.

Fees started at £23 at the most affordable provider to a premium rate at the most expensive.

According to further data, fitness coaches determine their own fees, usually a range of thirty to sixty-five pounds per hour-long session outside London and about a similar range in the capital.

Customers will often use a trainer once or twice a week and collaborate for a short period, but these agreements are often adaptable.

A personal trainer

The Irreplaceable Human Element

Fitness coach one experienced professional, from the Welsh capital, said artificial intelligence can be beneficial to accelerate results, but believes it will not supplant the personal interaction and accountability that live training provides.

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

"I think it's extremely useful, more knowledge is good," he said.

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

The trainer said AI can educate clients and make guidance more efficient.

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

"No matter how helpful as it is at 2am, a digital tool cannot ensure you show up 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.