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Leah Walsh

After a festive period packed with indulgent treats and downtime, numerous individuals head into January aiming to get their fitness back on track.

However, could Artificial Intelligence be transforming the fitness industry by providing an option to personal trainers?

Personalized Programs and Flexible Schedules

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

The 21-year-old from a town in Wales explained she appreciated the liberty to pose queries at all hours – something she believed was unavailable with a traditional coach.

Leah relied on an AI-driven fitness application that provided her customized schedules with audio coaching and speed targets for her inaugural long-distance race in 2024.

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

The user then tweaked the plan to fit her lifestyle, which she described was highly practical.

Subsequently, she opted for a alternative application because it was more affordable and she could consult it at any time. Her result was a full minute quicker than her target finish.

She said she wanted to avoid feeling pressure from a live instructor.

"Using artificial intelligence you have to motivate yourself, which I quite like," she remarked.

Richard Gallimore

Remarkable Strength Gains

In a similar case, Another individual, 23, from Swansea, has been employing artificial intelligence for his exercise and nutrition programs, and said he has achieved peak strength, boosting his bench press from 70kg to 110kg.

He resorted to a bot for help after being unable to run a running event.

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

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

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

The Expense Comparison: Technology vs. Traditional Coaching

A recent survey in late 2024 analyzed prices for 17 of the largest gym brands and found the typical monthly fee was approximately forty pounds per month, for standard full-access plans.

Fees started at a lower price at the most affordable provider to a premium rate at the highest-priced.

Based on industry research, personal trainers determine their own fees, typically £30-£65 per hour-long appointment outside London and about a similar range in London.

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

A personal trainer

The Essential Human Element

Personal trainer one experienced professional, based in Cardiff, acknowledged AI can be beneficial to accelerate results, but is convinced it will never replace the personal interaction and accountability that in-person coaching provides.

The 37-year-old, who has 12 years experience as a coach, specialises in senior clients and injury rehabilitation. He mentioned some of his trainees also employ technology.

"In my opinion it's extremely useful, more knowledge is good," he said.

"I think the more people are online the more they'll desire personal contact because they want the empathy from the understanding that is missing from a computer," he added.

The trainer said Artificial intelligence can inform users and make coaching more efficient.

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

"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.

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