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A runner

After a holiday period filled with indulgent treats and downtime, numerous individuals head into the new year aiming to regain their fitness momentum.

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

Personalized Programs and Adaptable Timelines

Leah Walsh employed an AI tool for last-minute training for the Cardiff Half Marathon.

The 21-year-old from a town in Wales explained she liked the liberty to ask it questions any time of day – something she believed was unavailable with a traditional coach.

Leah used an AI-driven running app that gave her customized schedules with audio coaching and pace setting for her first half marathon in recent years.

She said she requested it to design a regimen merging cardio and the weight training, and it produced an 11-week programme customized to her event day and goals.

The user then tweaked the schedule to fit her lifestyle, which she described was convenient.

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

She noted she did not want feeling pressure from a live instructor.

"With AI you have to motivate yourself, which I quite like," she remarked.

A weightlifter

Significant Fitness Improvements

In a similar case, Richard Gallimore, 23, from Swansea, has been using artificial intelligence for his fitness and diet plans, and said he has never felt stronger, increasing his bench press from 70kg to a much heavier load.

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

"I just knew I had to get myself in shape," he said.

This no-cost application built a fitness and meal program tailored to his goals, and established structured routines.

"I work out for about 120 minutes a day and I've seen a noticeable change," he added.

The Expense Comparison: AI vs. Traditional Training

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

Fees started at a lower price at the cheapest provider to a premium rate at the highest-priced.

Based on further data, fitness coaches determine their own fees, usually a range of thirty to sixty-five pounds per 45-60 minute session in most areas and about a similar range in the capital.

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

Dafydd Judd

The Irreplaceable Human Touch

Fitness coach one experienced professional, based in the Welsh capital, acknowledged AI can be useful to accelerate results, but believes it will never replace the human connection and responsibility that in-person coaching offers.

This expert, who has over a decade of experience as a coach, specialises in senior clients and recovery from injuries. He said a number of his clients also employ AI.

"In my opinion it's extremely useful, more knowledge is good," he said.

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

The trainer explained AI can inform clients and make coaching more efficient.

But, he argued real commitment comes when people appear in person for training.

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

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