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A runner

Following a holiday period packed with indulgent treats and downtime, numerous individuals enter January aiming to get their fitness back on track.

However, could Artificial Intelligence be changing the world of exercise by providing an option to personal trainers?

Tailored Plans and Adaptable Timelines

One fitness enthusiast used an AI tool for impromptu preparation for the Cardiff Half Marathon.

The 21-year-old hailing from a town in Wales explained she appreciated the freedom to pose queries at all hours – something she believed was unavailable with a traditional coach.

Leah used an AI-driven running app that gave her personalised plans with audio coaching and speed targets for her first half marathon in recent years.

She said she asked it to design a plan combining running and the gym, and it produced an 11-week programme customized to her race date and goals.

The user then adjusted the plan to fit her daily routine, which she described was convenient.

The following year, she chose a different tool because it was cheaper and she could ask it questions whenever she wanted. She finished a full minute quicker than her target finish.

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

"With AI you have to find your own drive, which I actually prefer," she remarked.

A weightlifter

Remarkable Fitness Gains

Meanwhile, Richard Gallimore, in his twenties, from a Welsh city, has been using artificial intelligence for his fitness and diet plans, and said he has achieved peak strength, boosting his chest press from a lower weight to 110kg.

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

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

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

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

The Expense Contrast: AI vs. Conventional Training

One recent study in late 2024 analyzed prices for 17 of the biggest gym brands and found the typical monthly fee was around £38 per month, based on standard full-access plans.

Fees started at a lower price at the cheapest provider to £132 at the highest-priced.

Based on further data, fitness coaches determine their own fees, typically £30-£65 per 45-60 minute session outside London and about a similar range in London.

Clients will often hire a trainer once or twice a week and work with them for a few months, however these agreements are completely flexible.

Dafydd Judd

The Essential Human Touch

Personal trainer Dafydd Judd, from the Welsh capital, acknowledged artificial intelligence can be beneficial to speed up progress, but is convinced it will never replace the personal interaction and responsibility that in-person coaching provides.

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

"I think it's extremely useful, more knowledge is good," he stated.

"I believe the more that people are online the more they'll want personal contact because they want the empathy from the comprehension that is missing from a computer," he added.

The trainer said Artificial intelligence can inform users and make guidance more efficient.

But, he said true dedication comes when people appear physically for their sessions.

"No matter how helpful as it is at the middle of the night, a computer cannot ensure you show up at 7am before work," Dafydd added.

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