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A runner

Following a holiday period filled with indulgent treats and relaxation, numerous individuals head into January aiming to get their fitness back on track.

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

Personalized Plans and Flexible Schedules

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

The 21-year-old from Aberdare said she liked the liberty to ask it questions any time of day – something she felt was unavailable with a traditional coach.

She used an AI-driven fitness application that provided her personalised plans with audio coaching and pace setting for her inaugural long-distance race in 2024.

She said she asked it to design a regimen combining running and the weight training, and it produced an multi-week programme customized to her race date and goals.

The user then adjusted the plan to fit her lifestyle, which she said was convenient.

The following year, she opted for a different tool because it was more affordable and she could ask it questions at any time. Her result was a minute faster than her target finish.

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

"With artificial intelligence you have to motivate yourself, which I actually prefer," she added.

Richard Gallimore

Significant Strength Improvements

In a similar case, Richard Gallimore, in his twenties, from Swansea, has been using AI for his exercise and nutrition programs, and said he has achieved peak strength, increasing his chest press from 70kg to 110kg.

Richard turned to a bot for assistance after being unable to run a running event.

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

The free tool built a workout and diet plan tailored to his goals, and established structured routines.

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

The Expense Comparison: AI vs. Conventional Training

A recent survey in late 2024 analyzed costs for numerous of the largest fitness chains and found the average membership cost was approximately forty pounds per month, based on basic memberships.

Fees ranged from £23 at the most affordable chain to a premium rate at the most expensive.

According to industry research, personal trainers set their own rates, usually £30-£65 per hour-long session outside London and about £45-£65 in the capital.

Clients will often use a coach once or twice a week and collaborate for a short period, but these arrangements are completely flexible.

A personal trainer

The Essential Human Touch

Personal trainer Dafydd Judd, from Cardiff, acknowledged artificial intelligence can be useful to accelerate results, but believes it will not supplant the personal interaction and accountability that live training provides.

This expert, who has 12 years experience as a coach, focuses on older adults and recovery from injuries. He mentioned a number of his clients also employ AI.

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

"I believe the more that people are connected digitally the more they'll want personal contact because they crave the empathy from the comprehension that is absent from a machine," he added.

The trainer explained Artificial intelligence can educate users and make coaching more efficient.

But, he argued true dedication comes when people show up in person for their sessions.

"No matter how helpful as it is at 2am, a digital tool won't keep you accountable at early morning before work," Dafydd concluded.

In the view of many, he suggested, the gym is a space to leave phones behind and stop being glued to screens.