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A runner

Following a festive period filled with rich foods and relaxation, many people head into the new year looking to get their fitness back on track.

However, is it possible that AI be transforming the fitness industry by offering an alternative to personal trainers?

Personalized Programs and Flexible Timelines

One fitness enthusiast employed an AI tool for last-minute preparation for the Cardiff Half Marathon.

This young woman hailing from Aberdare explained she liked the freedom to ask it questions at all hours – a feature she felt was unavailable with a personal trainer.

She relied on an AI-powered fitness application that provided her customized schedules with voice guidance and speed targets for her first long-distance race in 2024.

She said she asked it to create a plan combining running and the gym, and it generated an 11-week plan customized to her race date and objectives.

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

Subsequently, she chose a different tool because it was cheaper and she could consult it whenever she wanted. She finished a full minute quicker than her goal time.

She noted she wanted to avoid the pressure from a live instructor.

"With AI you have to find your own drive, which I quite like," she remarked.

Richard Gallimore

Remarkable Strength Improvements

Meanwhile, Another individual, 23, based in a Welsh city, has been employing artificial intelligence for his fitness and diet plans, and reported he has achieved peak strength, increasing his chest press from a lower weight to a much heavier load.

He turned to a bot for help after being forced to walk a running event.

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

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

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

The Expense Contrast: Technology vs. Traditional Coaching

One recent study in the previous year compared costs for 17 of the largest gym brands and found the average membership cost was around £38 per month, for standard full-access plans.

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

According to industry research, personal trainers determine their own fees, typically £30-£65 per 45-60 minute appointment in most areas and about a similar range in London.

Clients typically hire a trainer once or twice a week and work with them for a short period, however these agreements are often adaptable.

A personal trainer

The Irreplaceable Human Touch

Personal trainer Dafydd Judd, from Cardiff, acknowledged AI can be useful to speed up progress, but is convinced it will never replace the personal interaction and accountability that live training provides.

This expert, who has over a decade of experience as a trainer, focuses on older adults and injury rehabilitation. He mentioned a number of his clients also use technology.

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

"I believe the more that people are online the more they'll desire human connection because they crave the warmth from the comprehension that is absent from a computer," he added.

The trainer explained Artificial intelligence can educate users and make guidance more effective.

However, he said real commitment comes when people appear physically for training.

"No matter how helpful as it is at the middle of the night, a digital tool won't keep you accountable at early morning before work," he added.

For many, he suggested, the gym is a space to disconnect from devices and take a break from technology.