🔗 Share this article

Leah Walsh

After a festive period filled with indulgent treats and relaxation, numerous individuals enter January looking to get their fitness back on track.

However, could AI be changing the world of exercise by offering an alternative to personal trainers?

Tailored Programs and Adaptable Timelines

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

The 21-year-old from Aberdare explained she appreciated the liberty to ask it questions any time of day – a feature she believed was unavailable with a personal trainer.

She used an AI-powered fitness application that provided her customized schedules with voice guidance and pace setting for her inaugural long-distance race in 2024.

She explained she requested it to design a plan combining cardio and the gym, and it generated an multi-week plan customized to her race date and goals.

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

The following year, she chose a alternative application because it was cheaper and she could ask it questions whenever she wanted. She finished a minute faster than her target finish.

She said she wanted to avoid feeling pressure from a human personal trainer.

"Using artificial intelligence you have to find your own drive, which I actually prefer," she remarked.

Richard Gallimore

Significant Strength Improvements

In a similar case, Another individual, in his twenties, from a Welsh city, has been employing artificial intelligence for his exercise and nutrition programs, and said he has achieved peak strength, boosting his chest press from a lower weight to 110kg.

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

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

This no-cost application built a workout and diet plan tailored to his goals, and established organized workouts.

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

The Expense Comparison: AI vs. Conventional Training

One recent survey in late 2024 analyzed prices for numerous of the largest gym brands and found the typical monthly fee was approximately forty pounds per month, for basic full-access plans.

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

According to further data, fitness coaches determine their own fees, typically £30-£65 per hour-long session in most areas and about a similar range in London.

Customers will often hire a trainer one or two times a week and collaborate for a few months, but these agreements are often adaptable.

Dafydd Judd

The Irreplaceable Personal Touch

Fitness coach Dafydd Judd, from Cardiff, said artificial intelligence can be useful to accelerate results, but is convinced it will not supplant the human connection and accountability that live training provides.

This expert, who has 12 years experience as a trainer, specialises in older adults and injury rehabilitation. He mentioned some of his trainees also employ AI.

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

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

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

But, 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 won't keep you accountable at 7am before work," Dafydd concluded.

For many, he suggested, the fitness center is a space to leave phones behind and take a break from technology.