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A runner

After a festive period filled with rich foods and relaxation, numerous individuals head into January aiming to regain their fitness momentum.

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

Tailored Plans and Flexible Schedules

Leah Walsh employed an AI tool for impromptu training for the a major running event.

The 21-year-old from a town in Wales explained she liked the freedom to pose queries at all hours – something she felt was unavailable with a personal trainer.

Leah relied on an AI-powered fitness application that provided her customized schedules with voice guidance and speed targets for her inaugural long-distance race in 2024.

She explained she requested it to design a plan combining running and the gym, and it generated an 11-week programme tailored to her event day and goals.

The user then tweaked the schedule to fit her lifestyle, which she said was convenient.

The following year, she chose a alternative application because it was more affordable and she could ask it questions whenever she wanted. She finished a full minute quicker than her goal time.

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

"With AI you have to motivate yourself, which I actually prefer," she remarked.

A weightlifter

Remarkable Fitness Gains

In a similar case, Richard Gallimore, in his twenties, based in a Welsh city, has been using artificial intelligence for his exercise and nutrition programs, and reported he has achieved peak strength, boosting his chest press from 70kg to a much heavier load.

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

"I just knew I had to sort myself out," he said.

This no-cost application built a workout and diet plan personalized to his aims, and created organized workouts.

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

The Expense Contrast: AI vs. Traditional Training

A recent survey in late 2024 compared prices for numerous of the largest gym brands and found the typical monthly fee was around £38 a month, for standard full-access plans.

Prices ranged from £23 at the cheapest chain to £132 at the highest-priced.

According to industry research, personal trainers determine their own fees, usually £30-£65 per 45-60 minute session in most areas and about £45-£65 in London.

Customers typically hire a coach once or twice a week and work with them for a short period, but these agreements are often adaptable.

Dafydd Judd

The Irreplaceable Human Element

Personal trainer Dafydd Judd, from Cardiff, said AI can be useful 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 12 years experience as a trainer, focuses on older adults and injury rehabilitation. He said a number of his clients also employ technology.

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

"I believe the more people are online the more they'll want human connection because they crave the empathy from the comprehension that is absent from a machine," he added.

The trainer said Artificial intelligence can educate users and make guidance more effective.

But, he argued true dedication comes when people show up physically for their sessions.

"No matter how helpful as it is at 2am, a computer won't keep you accountable at 7am before work," Dafydd concluded.

For many, he suggested, the gym is a space to leave phones behind and stop being glued to screens.