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A runner

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

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

Tailored Programs and Flexible Timelines

One fitness enthusiast used an AI tool for last-minute preparation for the Cardiff Half Marathon.

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

She relied on an AI-driven running app that gave her customized schedules with audio coaching and pace setting for her first long-distance race in 2024.

She explained she requested it to create a regimen merging cardio and the gym, and it produced an multi-week programme customized to her event day and goals.

Leah then tweaked the schedule to suit her daily routine, which she said 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 minute faster than her goal time.

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

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

A weightlifter

Significant Strength Gains

Meanwhile, Richard Gallimore, in his twenties, from Swansea, has been using AI for his fitness and diet plans, and reported he has achieved peak strength, increasing his chest press from 70kg to 110kg.

He turned to a bot for assistance after being forced to walk a running event.

"I just knew I need to get myself in shape," he said.

The free tool built a fitness and meal program tailored to his goals, and created structured routines.

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

The Cost Contrast: AI vs. Conventional Training

A recent survey in the previous year analyzed costs for 17 of the largest gym brands and found the typical monthly fee was around £38 a month, based on standard memberships.

Prices ranged from £23 at the cheapest provider to a premium rate at the most expensive.

Based on industry research, personal trainers determine their own fees, typically £30-£65 per hour-long session in most areas and about £45-£65 in the capital.

Clients typically hire a trainer once or twice a week and work with them for a short period, however these agreements are often adaptable.

Dafydd Judd

The Irreplaceable Personal Element

Personal trainer one experienced professional, from the Welsh capital, acknowledged AI can be useful to speed up progress, but believes it will not supplant the personal interaction and responsibility that live training provides.

The 37-year-old, who has over a decade of experience as a coach, focuses on senior clients and injury rehabilitation. He said a number of his trainees also use technology.

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

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

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

But, he argued true dedication comes when people show up in person for training.

"No matter how helpful as it is at the middle of the night, a computer won't keep you accountable at early morning before work," he concluded.

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