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A runner

Following a holiday period packed with indulgent treats and downtime, numerous individuals enter January looking to get their fitness back on track.

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

Personalized Plans and Adaptable Timelines

Leah Walsh employed an AI tool for last-minute training for the a major running event.

The 21-year-old from a town in Wales said she appreciated the liberty to ask it questions at all hours – a feature she believed was unavailable with a personal trainer.

She relied on an AI-driven fitness application that gave her customized schedules with audio coaching and pace setting for her inaugural half marathon in recent years.

She said she asked it to create a regimen combining cardio and the gym, and it generated an 11-week plan tailored to her race date and objectives.

Leah then tweaked the schedule to suit her lifestyle, which she said was convenient.

The following year, she chose a different tool because it was more affordable and she could ask it questions whenever she wanted. Her result was a full minute quicker than her target finish.

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

"With AI you have to motivate yourself, which I quite like," she added.

A weightlifter

Significant Strength Gains

Meanwhile, Richard Gallimore, in his twenties, from Swansea, has been using AI for his exercise and nutrition programs, and said he has achieved peak strength, boosting his bench press from 70kg to a much heavier load.

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

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

This no-cost application constructed a workout and diet plan tailored to his goals, and established structured routines.

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

The Cost Contrast: AI vs. Traditional Training

One recent study in late 2024 analyzed prices for 17 of the largest gym brands and found the average membership cost was around £38 a month, for standard full-access plans.

Fees started at £23 at the cheapest 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 45-60 minute appointment in most areas and about a similar range in the capital.

Clients will often use a coach one or two times a week and work with them for a short period, but these agreements are completely flexible.

Dafydd Judd

The Irreplaceable Personal Touch

Personal trainer Dafydd Judd, from Cardiff, acknowledged AI can be useful to accelerate results, but believes it will never replace the personal interaction and accountability that in-person coaching offers.

The 37-year-old, who has 12 years experience as a coach, specialises in older adults and injury rehabilitation. He said a number of his clients also use technology.

"I think it's very valuable, more knowledge is good," he said.

"I think the more that people are online the more they'll want personal contact because they crave the warmth from the understanding that is missing from a computer," he continued.

Dafydd said Artificial intelligence can educate clients and make coaching more effective.

But, he argued real commitment comes when people show up physically for training.

"As useful as it is at 2am, a digital tool cannot ensure you show up at early morning before work," he concluded.

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