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Leah Walsh

Following a festive period filled with rich foods and downtime, many people enter the new year looking to get their fitness back on track.

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

Personalized Plans and Adaptable Timelines

Leah Walsh used an artificial intelligence application for last-minute preparation for the Cardiff Half Marathon.

The 21-year-old hailing from Aberdare explained she liked the liberty to ask it questions at all hours – something she believed was unavailable with a personal trainer.

Leah relied on an AI-driven running app that gave her customized schedules with audio coaching and speed targets for her first long-distance race in recent years.

She explained she requested it to design a plan combining cardio and the gym, and it generated an multi-week plan customized to her event day and objectives.

Leah then tweaked the plan to suit her daily routine, which she described was highly practical.

Subsequently, she opted for a different tool because it was cheaper and she could ask it questions at any time. She finished a minute faster than her goal time.

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

"Using AI you have to find your own drive, which I quite like," she added.

Richard Gallimore

Significant Fitness Gains

In a similar case, Another individual, in his twenties, based in Swansea, has been using AI for his fitness and diet plans, and said he has achieved peak strength, increasing his chest press from 70kg to a much heavier load.

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

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

The free tool constructed a fitness and meal program personalized to his goals, and created structured routines.

"I work out for about 120 minutes 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 biggest gym brands and found the average membership cost 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 highest-priced.

According to further data, fitness coaches set their own rates, usually a range of thirty to sixty-five pounds per hour-long appointment outside London and about £45-£65 in the capital.

Customers typically hire a coach once or twice a week and work with them for a short period, however these arrangements are often adaptable.

Dafydd Judd

The Irreplaceable Human Touch

Personal trainer Dafydd Judd, from the Welsh capital, said AI can be useful to accelerate results, but is convinced it will not supplant the human connection and accountability that in-person coaching provides.

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

"I think it's very valuable, additional information is good," he stated.

"I believe the more that people are online the more they'll want human connection because they want the empathy from the comprehension that is absent from a machine," he added.

The trainer said Artificial intelligence can educate users and make guidance more effective.

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

"As useful as it is at the middle of the night, a digital tool cannot ensure you show up at early morning before work," Dafydd added.

For many, he suggested, the gym is a space to disconnect from devices and take a break from technology.