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Leah Walsh

Following a holiday period packed with rich foods and downtime, many people enter January aiming to regain their fitness momentum.

However, could Artificial Intelligence be changing the fitness industry by offering an option to personal trainers?

Personalized Programs and Adaptable Timelines

One fitness enthusiast used an AI tool for impromptu training for the a major running event.

This young woman from a town in Wales said she appreciated the liberty to pose queries at all hours – a feature she believed was unavailable with a personal trainer.

Leah used an AI-powered fitness application that provided her personalised plans with audio coaching and speed targets for her first long-distance race in 2024.

She said she requested it to create a regimen combining cardio and the weight training, and it produced an 11-week plan tailored to her race date and objectives.

Leah then tweaked the plan to fit her daily routine, which she described 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 noted she wanted to avoid feeling pressure from a live instructor.

"Using artificial intelligence you have to motivate yourself, which I quite like," she added.

Richard Gallimore

Significant Fitness Gains

Meanwhile, Another individual, in his twenties, based in Swansea, has been employing artificial intelligence for his exercise and nutrition programs, and said he has never felt stronger, increasing his chest press from 70kg to 110kg.

He resorted to a AI assistant for assistance after being unable to run a running event.

"I realized I had to get myself in shape," he commented.

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

"I train for about 120 minutes a day and I've seen a real difference," he added.

The Expense Comparison: Technology vs. Conventional Training

A recent study in the previous year analyzed prices for 17 of the largest fitness chains and found the average membership cost was approximately forty pounds a month, based on basic memberships.

Prices started at £23 at the most affordable provider to a premium rate at the highest-priced.

Based on further data, personal trainers determine their own fees, usually £30-£65 per hour-long session in most areas and about £45-£65 in London.

Customers typically use a coach once or twice a week and collaborate for a short period, but these arrangements are often adaptable.

A personal trainer

The Irreplaceable Personal Element

Personal trainer Dafydd Judd, based in Cardiff, said AI can be beneficial to accelerate results, but believes it will not supplant the human connection and accountability that in-person coaching provides.

This expert, who has 12 years experience as a coach, specialises in senior clients and recovery from injuries. He mentioned a number of his trainees also employ AI.

"In my opinion it's very valuable, additional information is positive," he said.

"I think the more that people are online the more they'll want personal contact because they want the empathy from the comprehension that is absent from a computer," he added.

The trainer said AI can educate clients and make guidance more efficient.

However, he argued true dedication comes when people appear in person for training.

"No matter how helpful as it is at 2am, a computer cannot ensure you show up at 7am before work," he added.

For many, he suggested, the gym is a place to disconnect from devices and stop being glued to screens.