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Leah Walsh

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

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

Personalized Plans and Flexible Schedules

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

The 21-year-old hailing from Aberdare said she appreciated the freedom to pose queries at all hours – a feature she believed was not possible with a personal trainer.

Leah relied on an AI-powered fitness application that provided her personalised plans with audio coaching and pace setting for her inaugural long-distance race in 2024.

She said she asked it to design a regimen combining cardio and the weight training, and it generated an multi-week plan tailored to her event day and objectives.

The user then adjusted the schedule to fit 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 goal time.

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

"Using AI you have to find your own drive, which I actually prefer," she remarked.

Richard Gallimore

Remarkable Fitness Gains

In a similar case, Another individual, 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, increasing his bench press from 70kg to 110kg.

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

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

This no-cost application constructed a fitness and meal program tailored to his aims, and created structured routines.

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

The Cost Contrast: Technology vs. Traditional Training

A recent study in late 2024 compared prices for 17 of the biggest fitness chains and found the typical monthly fee was around £38 per month, based on basic full-access plans.

Fees started at a lower price at the most affordable chain to a premium rate at the most expensive.

According to industry research, personal trainers determine their own fees, typically a range of thirty to sixty-five pounds per 45-60 minute appointment in most areas and about £45-£65 in London.

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

A personal trainer

The Essential Personal Touch

Personal trainer Dafydd Judd, based in the Welsh capital, said artificial intelligence can be useful to speed up progress, but believes it will never replace the personal interaction and responsibility that in-person coaching provides.

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

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

"I think the more people are connected digitally the more they'll desire human connection because they want the warmth from the understanding that is missing from a computer," he added.

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

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

"No matter how helpful 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 said, the fitness center is a place to disconnect from devices and take a break from technology.