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A runner

Following a festive period filled with rich foods and downtime, many people enter the new year aiming to regain their fitness momentum.

However, is it possible that Artificial Intelligence be transforming the world of exercise by offering an option to personal trainers?

Personalized Plans and Flexible Schedules

One fitness enthusiast used an artificial intelligence application for impromptu preparation for the a major running event.

The 21-year-old from Aberdare explained she liked the liberty to pose queries at all hours – a feature she felt was unavailable with a traditional coach.

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

She said she requested it to design a regimen combining running and the weight training, and it produced an multi-week programme customized to her race date and goals.

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

Subsequently, she chose a alternative application because it was cheaper and she could ask it questions at any time. She finished a minute faster than her target finish.

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

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

A weightlifter

Significant Fitness Improvements

In a similar case, Richard Gallimore, in his twenties, from Swansea, has been employing AI for his fitness and diet plans, and said he has achieved peak strength, increasing his bench press from a lower weight to a much heavier load.

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

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

The free tool built a workout and diet plan tailored to his goals, and established organized workouts.

"I work out for about two hours a day and I've seen a noticeable change," he said.

The Cost Contrast: Technology vs. Traditional Coaching

A recent study in late 2024 compared prices for 17 of the largest gym brands and found the average membership cost was approximately forty pounds per month, for basic full-access plans.

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

Based on industry research, fitness coaches determine their own fees, typically £30-£65 per hour-long appointment outside London and about £45-£65 in London.

Clients will often hire a trainer once or twice a week and work with them for a short period, but these agreements are often adaptable.

Dafydd Judd

The Irreplaceable Personal Element

Personal trainer Dafydd Judd, based in the Welsh capital, said artificial intelligence can be useful to speed up progress, but believes it will not supplant the human connection and responsibility that live training offers.

This expert, who has over a decade of experience as a trainer, focuses on older adults and recovery from injuries. He said a number of his trainees also employ technology.

"I think it's extremely useful, additional information is good," he said.

"I think the more that people are connected digitally the more they'll want personal contact because they crave the warmth from the comprehension that is missing from a computer," he added.

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

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

"No matter how helpful as it is at 2am, a digital tool won't keep you accountable at 7am before work," Dafydd added.

For many, he said, the fitness center is a place to disconnect from devices and stop being glued to screens.