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Leah Walsh

Following a holiday period filled with rich foods and relaxation, many people enter January aiming to regain their fitness momentum.

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

Tailored Plans and Adaptable Timelines

Leah Walsh employed an AI tool for last-minute preparation for the Cardiff Half Marathon.

The 21-year-old from Aberdare said she appreciated the liberty to pose queries at all hours – a feature she felt was not possible with a traditional coach.

She used an AI-powered fitness application that gave her personalised plans with voice guidance and pace setting for her first long-distance race in 2024.

She explained she asked it to design a regimen combining running and the weight training, and it produced an multi-week programme tailored to her race date and goals.

Leah then adjusted the schedule to suit 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 did not want feeling pressure from a human personal trainer.

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

Richard Gallimore

Remarkable Fitness Improvements

In a similar case, Richard Gallimore, in his twenties, based in Swansea, has been employing AI 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 resorted to a bot for help after being forced to walk a race.

"I realized I had to sort myself out," he said.

The free tool built a fitness and meal program personalized to his goals, and established structured routines.

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

The Cost Contrast: AI vs. Traditional Training

A recent survey in the previous year analyzed costs for 17 of the biggest fitness chains and found the typical monthly fee was around £38 per month, based on basic full-access plans.

Fees ranged from £23 at the most affordable chain to £132 at the most expensive.

According to further data, personal trainers set their own rates, typically a range of thirty to sixty-five pounds per 45-60 minute session outside London and about a similar range in London.

Clients typically hire a trainer one or two times a week and work with them for a few months, however these agreements are often adaptable.

A personal trainer

The Irreplaceable Human Element

Fitness coach Dafydd Judd, based in the Welsh capital, said AI can be useful to speed up progress, but is convinced it will never replace the human connection and accountability that in-person coaching offers.

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

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

"I think the more that people are connected digitally the more they'll want human connection because they want the empathy from the understanding that is absent from a computer," he added.

The trainer explained AI can educate clients and make coaching more efficient.

However, he argued real commitment comes when people appear in person for their sessions.

"As useful as it is at 2am, a computer cannot ensure you show up at 7am before work," he concluded.

For many, he suggested, the fitness center is a place to disconnect from devices and stop being glued to screens.