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A runner

After a festive period filled with indulgent treats and downtime, numerous individuals enter January aiming to regain their fitness momentum.

However, is it possible that Artificial Intelligence be transforming the fitness industry by offering an option to personal trainers?

Personalized Plans and Flexible Timelines

Leah Walsh used an artificial intelligence application for last-minute training for the a major running event.

The 21-year-old hailing from a town in Wales said she liked the freedom to ask it questions at all hours – a feature she believed was not possible with a traditional coach.

She used an AI-driven running app that provided her personalised plans with audio coaching and pace setting for her first long-distance race in recent years.

She said she asked it to create a regimen merging running and the weight training, and it produced an multi-week plan customized to her race date and goals.

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

Subsequently, she opted for a alternative application because it was cheaper and she could ask it questions at any time. Her result was a minute faster than her target finish.

She noted she did not want the pressure from a live instructor.

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

Richard Gallimore

Significant Strength Improvements

Meanwhile, Richard Gallimore, 23, based in Swansea, has been employing artificial intelligence for his fitness and diet plans, and reported he has never felt stronger, boosting his chest press from 70kg to a much heavier load.

He resorted to a bot for assistance after being unable to run a running event.

"I realized I need to sort myself out," he commented.

The free tool constructed a fitness and meal program personalized to his goals, and established organized workouts.

"I train for about two hours a day and I've seen a noticeable change," he said.

The Cost Comparison: AI vs. Conventional Coaching

A recent survey in late 2024 analyzed costs for numerous of the largest gym brands and found the typical monthly fee was around £38 a month, based on basic memberships.

Prices ranged from a lower price at the most affordable provider to £132 at the most expensive.

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

Clients typically use a coach once or twice a week and collaborate for a short period, however these agreements are completely flexible.

A personal trainer

The Essential Personal Element

Fitness coach Dafydd Judd, from Cardiff, said AI can be beneficial to speed up progress, but is convinced it will never replace the human connection and accountability that live training provides.

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 trainees also use AI.

"In my opinion it's extremely useful, additional information is positive," he said.

"I think the more that people are online the more they'll desire human connection because they want the empathy from the understanding that is absent from a machine," he continued.

The trainer explained Artificial intelligence can inform clients and make coaching more efficient.

However, he said real commitment comes when people appear in person for their sessions.

"No matter how helpful as it is at 2am, a computer cannot ensure you show up at 7am before work," he added.

For many, he said, the fitness center is a place to leave phones behind and stop being glued to screens.