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A runner

Following a holiday period packed with rich foods and downtime, numerous individuals enter the new year aiming to regain their fitness momentum.

But, could AI be changing the fitness industry by offering an option to personal trainers?

Tailored Plans and Adaptable Schedules

One fitness enthusiast used an artificial intelligence application for impromptu training for the a major running event.

This young woman from Aberdare explained she appreciated the freedom to pose queries at all hours – a feature she felt was not possible with a traditional coach.

She used an AI-powered running app that provided her customized schedules with voice guidance and pace setting for her inaugural long-distance race in 2024.

She said she asked it to design a plan combining running and the weight training, and it produced an 11-week plan customized to her event day and goals.

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

The following year, she chose a different tool because it was cheaper and she could ask it questions at any time. Her result was a full minute quicker than her target finish.

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

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

Richard Gallimore

Significant Fitness Gains

Meanwhile, Another individual, 23, based in a Welsh city, has been using artificial intelligence for his fitness and diet plans, and reported he has never felt stronger, increasing his bench press from 70kg to 110kg.

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

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

This no-cost application built a fitness and meal program tailored 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 Comparison: AI vs. Conventional Coaching

A recent survey in late 2024 compared costs for 17 of the largest gym brands and found the average membership cost was approximately forty pounds per month, based on basic full-access plans.

Fees ranged from £23 at the most affordable chain to a premium rate at the most expensive.

According to further data, fitness coaches set their own rates, typically a range of thirty to sixty-five pounds per hour-long appointment outside London and about £45-£65 in the capital.

Customers typically hire a coach once or twice a week and collaborate for a few months, but these agreements are often adaptable.

A personal trainer

The Essential Human Element

Fitness coach Dafydd Judd, from the Welsh capital, acknowledged AI can be useful to accelerate results, but is convinced it will not supplant the human connection and responsibility that live training provides.

The 37-year-old, who has over a decade of experience as a trainer, specialises in senior clients and recovery from injuries. He said some of his clients also use technology.

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

"I think the more that people are connected digitally the more they'll want human connection because they crave the warmth from the understanding that is absent from a computer," he continued.

Dafydd explained Artificial intelligence can educate users and make guidance more efficient.

However, he argued real commitment comes when people show up in person for training.

"No matter how helpful as it is at 2am, a computer won't keep you accountable at early morning before work," Dafydd concluded.

In the view of many, he suggested, the fitness center is a place to disconnect from devices and stop being glued to screens.