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Leah Walsh

Following a festive period filled with rich foods and relaxation, many people enter January looking to regain their fitness momentum.

However, could AI be changing the fitness industry by providing an option to personal trainers?

Personalized Plans and Flexible Timelines

One fitness enthusiast used an artificial intelligence application for last-minute preparation for the Cardiff Half Marathon.

This young woman from Aberdare said she appreciated the freedom to pose queries any time of day – a feature she felt was unavailable with a traditional coach.

Leah relied on an AI-driven fitness application that provided her customized schedules with voice guidance and pace setting for her first long-distance race in 2024.

She explained she requested it to design a plan merging cardio and the weight training, and it produced an 11-week plan customized to her event day and objectives.

Leah then adjusted the schedule to suit her lifestyle, which she said was highly practical.

The following year, she opted for a different tool because it was cheaper and she could ask it questions whenever she wanted. She finished a minute faster than her goal time.

She said she did not want the pressure from a human personal trainer.

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

Richard Gallimore

Significant Fitness Improvements

In a similar case, Richard Gallimore, in his twenties, from a Welsh city, has been employing artificial intelligence for his exercise and nutrition programs, and reported he has never felt stronger, boosting his bench press from 70kg to a much heavier load.

He resorted to a bot for help after being unable to run a race.

"I realized I had to get myself in shape," he said.

This no-cost application constructed a fitness and meal program personalized to his goals, and established structured routines.

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

The Cost Contrast: AI vs. Traditional Training

A recent survey in late 2024 analyzed prices for 17 of the largest fitness chains and found the typical monthly fee was around £38 per month, based on basic memberships.

Fees ranged from £23 at the cheapest chain to a premium rate at the highest-priced.

According to further data, fitness coaches determine their own fees, usually £30-£65 per 45-60 minute appointment outside London and about a similar range in the capital.

Customers will often hire a coach once or twice a week and work with them for a few months, but these agreements are completely flexible.

Dafydd Judd

The Essential Human Touch

Fitness coach Dafydd Judd, from the Welsh capital, said AI can be beneficial to accelerate results, but is convinced it will never replace the human connection and accountability that live training offers.

This expert, who has 12 years experience as a trainer, specialises in senior clients and injury rehabilitation. He said a number of his clients also employ technology.

"I think it's extremely useful, more knowledge is good," he stated.

"I believe 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 added.

Dafydd said AI can inform users and make guidance more efficient.

But, he said true dedication comes when people appear physically for their sessions.

"As useful as it is at 2am, a digital tool won't keep you accountable at 7am before work," Dafydd added.

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