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Leah Walsh

Following a holiday period filled with indulgent treats and relaxation, many people head into the new year looking to regain their fitness momentum.

But, could Artificial Intelligence be transforming the world of exercise by providing an alternative to personal trainers?

Personalized Programs and Adaptable Schedules

Leah Walsh employed an AI tool for impromptu preparation for the Cardiff Half Marathon.

The 21-year-old from Aberdare explained she appreciated the freedom to pose queries at all hours – a feature she believed was unavailable with a traditional coach.

Leah used an AI-powered running app that provided her customized schedules with voice guidance and speed targets for her inaugural long-distance race in recent years.

She explained she asked it to design a regimen combining running and the gym, and it generated an 11-week programme tailored to her race date and goals.

Leah then adjusted the schedule to fit her lifestyle, which she described was highly practical.

The following year, she opted for a different tool because it was cheaper and she could consult it whenever she wanted. She finished a minute faster than her goal time.

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

"Using artificial intelligence you have to motivate yourself, which I quite like," she remarked.

A weightlifter

Remarkable Strength Improvements

Meanwhile, Another individual, 23, based in a Welsh city, has been using AI for his fitness and diet plans, and reported he has never felt stronger, increasing his bench press from a lower weight to 110kg.

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

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

The free tool constructed a workout and diet plan tailored to his goals, and created structured routines.

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

The Expense Contrast: Technology vs. Conventional Coaching

A recent study in late 2024 analyzed prices for 17 of the biggest fitness chains and found the typical monthly fee was around £38 per month, for standard memberships.

Fees ranged from a lower price at the most affordable chain 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 hour-long session outside London and about a similar range in London.

Clients will often use a coach one or two times a week and collaborate for a few months, but these agreements are often adaptable.

A personal trainer

The Essential Personal Element

Personal trainer Dafydd Judd, based in the Welsh capital, said artificial intelligence can be useful to speed up progress, but is convinced it will not supplant the human connection and accountability that in-person coaching provides.

This expert, 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 technology.

"In my opinion it's very valuable, more knowledge is positive," he said.

"I think the more people are connected digitally the more they'll desire personal contact because they want the empathy from the understanding that is missing from a computer," he continued.

The trainer explained Artificial intelligence can inform users and make guidance more effective.

However, he said true dedication comes when people appear in person for their sessions.

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

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