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Leah Walsh

After a holiday period packed with rich foods and downtime, many people head into the new year aiming to get their fitness back on track.

But, is it possible that AI be changing the world of exercise by offering an alternative to personal trainers?

Tailored Programs and Flexible Timelines

Leah Walsh used an artificial intelligence application for impromptu preparation for the a major running event.

The 21-year-old hailing from a town in Wales explained she liked the liberty to ask it questions at all hours – a feature she felt was not possible with a personal trainer.

She used an AI-powered running app that gave her customized schedules with audio coaching and pace setting for her inaugural half marathon in 2024.

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

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

The following year, she opted for a alternative application because it was more affordable and she could ask it questions at any time. Her result was a full minute quicker than her goal time.

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

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

Richard Gallimore

Significant Strength Gains

Meanwhile, Richard Gallimore, in his twenties, from Swansea, has been using artificial intelligence for his exercise and nutrition programs, and said he has achieved peak strength, increasing his bench press from 70kg to 110kg.

He turned to a AI assistant for assistance after being forced to walk a race.

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

The free tool constructed a workout and diet plan personalized to his goals, and created organized workouts.

"I work out for about 120 minutes a day and I've seen a noticeable change," he said.

The Expense Comparison: AI vs. Conventional Coaching

A recent survey in late 2024 compared prices for numerous of the biggest gym brands and found the average membership cost was approximately forty pounds a month, for basic memberships.

Fees ranged from £23 at the most affordable provider to £132 at the highest-priced.

Based on further data, personal trainers set their own rates, usually a range of thirty to sixty-five pounds per 45-60 minute session in most areas and about a similar range in London.

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

A personal trainer

The Irreplaceable Personal Element

Personal trainer Dafydd Judd, based in the Welsh capital, said artificial intelligence can be useful to accelerate results, but believes it will never replace the personal interaction and responsibility that live training offers.

The 37-year-old, who has 12 years experience as a coach, specialises in senior clients and recovery from injuries. He mentioned some of his trainees also use technology.

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

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

Dafydd explained AI can inform clients and make guidance more efficient.

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

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

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