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Leah Walsh

Following a holiday period packed with rich foods and downtime, many people enter the new year aiming to get their fitness back on track.

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

Personalized Plans and Adaptable Schedules

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

The 21-year-old from Aberdare explained she appreciated the liberty to ask it questions any time of day – a feature she felt was unavailable with a traditional coach.

Leah used an AI-driven running app that gave her customized schedules with audio coaching and pace setting for her inaugural long-distance race in 2024.

She said she requested it to create a regimen merging cardio and the weight training, and it produced an multi-week plan tailored to her event day and objectives.

Leah then tweaked the schedule to suit her lifestyle, which she said was highly practical.

The following year, she chose a different tool because it was more affordable and she could consult it at any time. She finished a full minute quicker than her target finish.

She said she wanted to avoid the pressure from a human personal trainer.

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

Richard Gallimore

Remarkable Strength Improvements

In a similar case, Richard Gallimore, 23, based in a Welsh city, has been employing artificial intelligence for his fitness and diet plans, and said he has never felt stronger, boosting his bench press from 70kg to a much heavier load.

Richard resorted to a bot for help after being unable to run a race.

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

This no-cost application built a workout and diet plan personalized to his goals, and created structured routines.

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

The Cost Comparison: AI vs. Conventional Training

One recent survey in late 2024 compared costs for numerous of the largest fitness chains and found the average membership cost was approximately forty pounds per month, based on standard memberships.

Prices ranged from £23 at the cheapest provider to a premium rate at the most expensive.

According to further data, personal trainers determine their own fees, typically a range of thirty to sixty-five pounds per 45-60 minute session outside London and about £45-£65 in London.

Customers typically use a trainer once or twice a week and work with them for a few months, but these arrangements are completely flexible.

Dafydd Judd

The Essential Human Touch

Fitness coach Dafydd Judd, from the Welsh capital, said AI can be beneficial to accelerate results, but believes it will never replace the human connection and accountability that live training offers.

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

"In my opinion it's extremely useful, additional information is positive," he said.

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

Dafydd explained Artificial intelligence can inform users and make coaching more efficient.

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

"No matter how helpful as it is at the middle of the night, a computer won't keep you accountable at early morning before work," he concluded.

In the view of many, he said, the fitness center is a space to leave phones behind and stop being glued to screens.