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Leah Walsh

Following a festive period packed with indulgent treats and downtime, many people head into January looking to regain their fitness momentum.

But, could AI be transforming the fitness industry by providing an option to personal trainers?

Tailored Plans and Flexible Timelines

One fitness enthusiast employed an AI tool for last-minute training for the a major running event.

The 21-year-old hailing from a town in Wales said she appreciated the liberty to pose queries any time of day – a feature she felt was not possible with a personal trainer.

She used an AI-driven running app that provided her personalised plans with voice guidance and pace setting for her inaugural half marathon in 2024.

She explained she asked it to design a regimen merging running and the gym, and it generated an 11-week programme customized to her event day and goals.

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

The following year, she chose a different tool because it was more affordable and she could ask it questions whenever she wanted. Her result was a full minute quicker than her target finish.

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

"Using artificial intelligence you have to find your own drive, which I quite like," she added.

A weightlifter

Significant Strength Gains

Meanwhile, Richard Gallimore, in his twenties, from a Welsh city, has been employing AI for his fitness and diet plans, and said he has never felt stronger, increasing his chest press from 70kg to 110kg.

Richard resorted to a AI assistant for help after being unable to run a running event.

"I realized I need to get myself in shape," he commented.

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

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

The Cost Contrast: AI vs. Traditional Coaching

One recent survey in the previous year analyzed costs for 17 of the largest gym brands and found the typical monthly fee was approximately forty pounds a month, based on standard memberships.

Prices started at a lower price at the most affordable chain to a premium rate at the most expensive.

According to industry research, fitness coaches set their own rates, typically £30-£65 per 45-60 minute session outside London and about a similar range in the capital.

Clients typically use a coach one or two times a week and collaborate for a short period, however these agreements are often adaptable.

A personal trainer

The Irreplaceable Human Element

Fitness coach one experienced professional, from the Welsh capital, acknowledged artificial intelligence can be useful to speed up progress, but believes it will not supplant the human connection and responsibility that live training provides.

This expert, who has over a decade of experience as a coach, focuses on senior clients and recovery from injuries. He said some of his trainees also employ technology.

"In my opinion it's very valuable, more knowledge is good," he said.

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

The trainer said AI can educate clients and make coaching more effective.

But, he argued real commitment comes when people show up physically for training.

"As useful as it is at the middle of the night, a computer cannot ensure you show up at 7am before work," Dafydd added.

In the view of many, he said, the fitness center is a place to disconnect from devices and take a break from technology.