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Leah Walsh

After a festive period filled with indulgent treats and downtime, many people enter the new year aiming to regain their fitness momentum.

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

Tailored Plans and Adaptable Schedules

One fitness enthusiast used an AI tool for impromptu preparation for the a major running event.

This young woman from a town in Wales said she liked the liberty to ask it questions any time of day – a feature she believed was not possible with a personal trainer.

She relied on an AI-driven fitness application that gave her personalised plans with voice guidance and pace setting for her inaugural half marathon in 2024.

She said she requested it to design a regimen merging running and the gym, and it generated an 11-week plan tailored to her race date and objectives.

Leah then adjusted the schedule to fit her daily routine, which she said was highly practical.

Subsequently, she opted for a alternative application because it was cheaper and she could consult it at any time. She finished a minute faster than her target finish.

She said she wanted to avoid feeling pressure from a live instructor.

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

A weightlifter

Remarkable Fitness Gains

In a similar case, Richard Gallimore, 23, from Swansea, has been using artificial intelligence for his exercise and nutrition programs, and reported he has never felt stronger, increasing his bench press from a lower weight to a much heavier load.

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

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

The Cost Contrast: AI vs. Traditional Training

One recent study in late 2024 compared costs for 17 of the biggest gym brands and found the typical monthly fee was around £38 per month, for standard full-access plans.

Fees ranged from a lower price at the most affordable provider to £132 at the highest-priced.

Based on industry research, personal trainers determine their own fees, usually a range of thirty to sixty-five pounds per hour-long session outside London and about £45-£65 in the capital.

Clients will often hire a coach one or two times a week and collaborate for a few months, but these agreements are completely flexible.

A personal trainer

The Irreplaceable Personal Element

Personal trainer Dafydd Judd, from the Welsh capital, said AI can be beneficial to accelerate results, but is convinced it will never replace the personal interaction and responsibility that in-person coaching provides.

This expert, who has 12 years experience as a coach, specialises in senior clients and recovery from injuries. He mentioned some of his clients also use AI.

"I think it's extremely useful, additional information is good," he stated.

"I think the more people are online the more they'll want personal contact because they want the empathy from the understanding that is absent from a machine," he continued.

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

But, he said real commitment comes when people appear physically for their sessions.

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

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