🔗 Share this article

A runner

After a holiday period packed with rich foods and downtime, numerous individuals enter January looking to get their fitness back on track.

But, is it possible that AI be transforming the fitness industry by offering an alternative to personal trainers?

Personalized Programs and Flexible Schedules

One fitness enthusiast employed an AI tool for last-minute preparation for the a major running event.

This young woman from a town in Wales said she liked the liberty to ask it questions at all hours – a feature she felt was not possible with a personal trainer.

She relied on an AI-driven fitness application that provided her customized schedules with voice guidance and pace setting for her inaugural half marathon in 2024.

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

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

The following year, she opted for a different tool because it was more affordable and she could ask it questions at any time. She finished a minute faster than her goal time.

She said she wanted to avoid feeling pressure from a human personal trainer.

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

A weightlifter

Remarkable Fitness Gains

In a similar case, Richard Gallimore, 23, from a Welsh city, has been using AI for his exercise and nutrition programs, and reported he has never felt stronger, increasing his chest press from 70kg to 110kg.

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

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

This no-cost application built a fitness and meal program tailored to his aims, and created structured routines.

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

The Expense Contrast: Technology vs. Conventional Coaching

A recent survey 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 ranged from a lower price at the cheapest chain to a premium rate at the highest-priced.

According to industry research, fitness coaches determine their own fees, usually a range of thirty to sixty-five pounds per hour-long session outside London and about £45-£65 in London.

Clients typically use a coach once or twice a week and collaborate for a few months, however these agreements are often adaptable.

A personal trainer

The Essential Human Element

Fitness coach one experienced professional, based in the Welsh capital, acknowledged artificial intelligence can be beneficial to accelerate results, 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 senior clients and recovery from injuries. He mentioned some of his clients also use technology.

"In my opinion it's very valuable, more knowledge is good," he stated.

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

Dafydd explained AI can educate users and make coaching more efficient.

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

"As useful as it is at 2am, a computer won't keep you accountable at 7am before work," Dafydd added.

In the view of many, he suggested, the fitness center is a place to leave phones behind and take a break from technology.