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A runner

After a holiday period packed with rich foods and relaxation, numerous individuals enter January aiming to get their fitness back on track.

But, is it possible that Artificial Intelligence be changing the fitness industry by offering an alternative to personal trainers?

Personalized Plans and Adaptable Timelines

One fitness enthusiast employed an AI tool for impromptu training for the Cardiff Half Marathon.

The 21-year-old from a town in Wales said she appreciated the freedom to pose queries any time of day – a feature she believed was unavailable with a personal trainer.

She relied on 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 explained she requested it to design a regimen merging running and the weight training, and it produced an multi-week programme customized to her race date and goals.

The user then tweaked the schedule to suit her daily routine, which she described was highly practical.

The following year, she chose a alternative application because it was cheaper and she could consult it at any time. She finished a full minute quicker than her goal time.

She noted she did not want feeling pressure from a human personal trainer.

"Using AI you have to motivate yourself, which I actually prefer," she added.

A weightlifter

Significant Fitness Gains

In a similar case, Another individual, in his twenties, based in Swansea, has been employing AI for his exercise and nutrition programs, and reported he has achieved peak strength, boosting his bench press from a lower weight to 110kg.

He turned to a AI assistant for help after being unable to run a running event.

"I just knew I had to get myself in shape," he commented.

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

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

The Cost Comparison: Technology vs. Traditional Coaching

A recent survey in late 2024 compared prices for numerous of the biggest gym brands and found the average membership cost was approximately forty pounds a month, for basic full-access plans.

Fees started at £23 at the most affordable chain to £132 at the highest-priced.

According to further data, personal trainers determine their own fees, typically £30-£65 per hour-long appointment outside London and about a similar range in the capital.

Clients typically use a trainer one or two times a week and collaborate for a few months, however these agreements are completely flexible.

Dafydd Judd

The Irreplaceable Personal Touch

Personal trainer Dafydd Judd, based in the Welsh capital, said AI can be useful to accelerate results, but believes it will never replace the human connection and accountability that live training offers.

The 37-year-old, who has over a decade of experience as a coach, specialises in older adults and recovery from injuries. He mentioned a number of his clients also use AI.

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

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

Dafydd said AI can educate clients and make coaching more efficient.

But, he said real commitment 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," he concluded.

For many, he suggested, the gym is a place to disconnect from devices and stop being glued to screens.