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Leah Walsh

Following a festive period filled with indulgent treats and relaxation, numerous individuals enter January looking to regain their fitness momentum.

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

Personalized Plans and Adaptable Timelines

Leah Walsh employed an AI tool for impromptu training for the Cardiff Half Marathon.

This young woman from Aberdare explained she appreciated the freedom to pose queries at all hours – something she believed was unavailable with a traditional coach.

She used an AI-driven running app that provided her personalised plans with audio coaching and pace setting for her inaugural half marathon in 2024.

She explained she asked it to design a regimen merging running and the gym, and it generated an multi-week programme customized to her event day and objectives.

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

The following year, she opted for a alternative application because it was cheaper and she could ask it questions whenever she wanted. Her result was a full minute quicker than her goal time.

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

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

A weightlifter

Significant Strength Improvements

In a similar case, Richard Gallimore, 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 bench press from 70kg to 110kg.

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

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

The free tool built a workout and diet plan tailored to his aims, and established organized workouts.

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

The Cost Comparison: Technology vs. Conventional Coaching

A recent study in late 2024 analyzed costs for numerous of the largest gym brands and found the average membership cost was around £38 a month, for basic memberships.

Fees ranged from £23 at the cheapest chain to £132 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 a similar range in London.

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

A personal trainer

The Irreplaceable Human Element

Fitness coach one experienced professional, from Cardiff, said artificial intelligence can be useful to accelerate results, but believes it will never replace the human connection and responsibility that live training offers.

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

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

"I think the more that people are connected digitally the more they'll want personal contact because they crave the warmth from the comprehension that is absent from a computer," he continued.

Dafydd said AI can educate clients and make coaching more effective.

But, he argued real commitment comes when people show up in person 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," he added.

For many, he suggested, the fitness center is a space to leave phones behind and stop being glued to screens.