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A runner

Following a festive period filled with rich foods and downtime, many people head into January looking to regain their fitness momentum.

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

Personalized Programs and Adaptable Timelines

Leah Walsh employed an artificial intelligence application for impromptu preparation for the a major running event.

The 21-year-old from a town in Wales explained she appreciated the freedom to pose queries at all hours – a feature she believed was not possible with a personal trainer.

She relied on an AI-powered fitness application that gave her customized schedules with voice guidance and pace setting for her first long-distance race in 2024.

She explained she requested it to design a plan merging cardio and the weight training, and it generated an multi-week plan customized to her event day and objectives.

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

Subsequently, she chose a alternative application because it was more affordable and she could consult it at any time. Her result was a minute faster than her goal time.

She noted she did not want feeling pressure from a human personal trainer.

"With artificial intelligence you have to motivate yourself, which I actually prefer," she added.

Richard Gallimore

Significant Strength Improvements

In a similar case, Richard Gallimore, in his twenties, based in 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 a lower weight to a much heavier load.

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

"I realized I had to sort myself out," he commented.

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

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

The Expense Comparison: AI vs. Traditional Coaching

One recent study in late 2024 analyzed prices for 17 of the largest gym brands and found the typical monthly fee was around £38 per month, based on basic memberships.

Fees started at £23 at the most affordable chain to £132 at the highest-priced.

Based on further data, personal trainers set their own rates, usually a range of thirty to sixty-five pounds per hour-long session in most areas and about £45-£65 in the capital.

Customers will often use a coach once or twice a week and work with them for a few months, however these agreements are often adaptable.

A personal trainer

The Essential Human Touch

Personal trainer one experienced professional, from Cardiff, said artificial intelligence can be useful to accelerate results, but believes it will never replace the human connection and responsibility that live training provides.

The 37-year-old, who has over a decade of experience as a trainer, focuses on senior clients and injury rehabilitation. He said a number of his trainees also employ AI.

"I think it's extremely useful, additional information is positive," he stated.

"I think the more people are connected digitally the more they'll want human connection because they crave the empathy from the comprehension that is absent from a machine," he continued.

The trainer explained Artificial intelligence can inform users and make coaching more effective.

But, he said true dedication comes when people appear physically for their sessions.

"As useful as it is at the middle of the night, a computer won't keep you accountable at 7am before work," Dafydd concluded.

For many, he suggested, the gym is a place to leave phones behind and take a break from technology.