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Leah Walsh

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

However, could AI be changing the fitness industry by providing an option to personal trainers?

Tailored Programs and Adaptable Schedules

Leah Walsh employed an artificial intelligence application for impromptu training for the Cardiff Half Marathon.

This young woman from a town in Wales explained she liked the freedom to pose queries any time of day – something she felt was unavailable with a traditional coach.

Leah relied on an AI-driven fitness application that provided her personalised plans with audio coaching and speed targets for her first long-distance race in recent years.

She explained she requested it to create a plan merging cardio and the weight training, and it generated an 11-week plan customized to her race date and objectives.

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

Subsequently, she opted for a different tool because it was cheaper and she could consult it whenever she wanted. She finished a full minute quicker than her goal time.

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 added.

A weightlifter

Significant Strength Improvements

In a similar case, Another individual, in his twenties, based in a Welsh city, has been employing AI for his exercise and nutrition programs, and said he has never felt stronger, boosting his chest press from 70kg to 110kg.

Richard resorted to a AI assistant for help after being unable to run a running event.

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

This no-cost application built a fitness and meal program personalized to his goals, and established organized workouts.

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

The Expense Contrast: Technology vs. Conventional Training

A recent survey in late 2024 analyzed costs for numerous of the biggest gym brands and found the typical monthly fee was around £38 per month, based on basic memberships.

Prices ranged from £23 at the most affordable chain to a premium rate at the highest-priced.

Based on industry research, personal trainers set their own rates, typically a range of thirty to sixty-five pounds per hour-long session in most areas and about a similar range in the capital.

Clients typically use a trainer one or two times a week and collaborate for a few months, however these arrangements are often adaptable.

A personal trainer

The Essential Personal Element

Fitness coach one experienced professional, based in the Welsh capital, said AI can be useful to accelerate results, but is convinced it will never replace the human connection and responsibility that live training offers.

This expert, who has 12 years experience as a coach, specialises in older adults and recovery from injuries. He mentioned some of his clients also use AI.

"In my opinion it's very valuable, additional information is good," he stated.

"I believe the more that people are online the more they'll want personal contact because they want the warmth from the comprehension that is missing from a machine," he added.

Dafydd explained AI can educate users and make guidance more efficient.

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

"No matter how helpful as it is at the middle of the night, a digital tool cannot ensure you show up at 7am before work," Dafydd added.

In the view of many, he suggested, the gym is a place to leave phones behind and stop being glued to screens.