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A runner

Following a holiday period packed with rich foods and downtime, many people enter January aiming to get their fitness back on track.

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

Personalized Plans and Flexible Schedules

Leah Walsh used an artificial intelligence application for last-minute training for the a major running event.

This young woman from Aberdare said she appreciated the liberty to ask it questions at all hours – a feature she believed was not possible with a personal trainer.

She relied on an AI-powered running app that gave her personalised plans with voice guidance and pace setting for her inaugural long-distance race in 2024.

She said she asked it to design a plan merging running and the gym, and it produced an 11-week programme customized to her event day and goals.

Leah then tweaked the schedule to suit her daily routine, which she said was highly practical.

Subsequently, she opted for a different tool because it was more affordable and she could consult it whenever she wanted. Her result was a minute faster than her target finish.

She noted she did not want the pressure from a live instructor.

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

A weightlifter

Remarkable Strength Gains

In a similar case, Richard Gallimore, in his twenties, from Swansea, has been employing artificial intelligence for his exercise and nutrition programs, and said he has never felt stronger, increasing his chest press from a lower weight to 110kg.

Richard turned to a AI assistant for assistance after being forced to walk a race.

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

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

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

The Cost Contrast: AI vs. Traditional Training

One recent survey in the previous year compared costs for numerous of the largest gym brands and found the average membership cost was around £38 a month, based on standard full-access plans.

Fees started at a lower price at the cheapest provider to a premium rate at the most expensive.

Based on industry research, fitness coaches determine their own fees, usually a range of thirty to sixty-five pounds per 45-60 minute session outside London and about a similar range in the capital.

Clients typically use a coach one or two times a week and work with them for a few months, however these arrangements are completely flexible.

A personal trainer

The Essential Personal Element

Personal trainer Dafydd Judd, from the Welsh capital, acknowledged artificial intelligence can be useful to speed up progress, but believes it will never replace the personal interaction and responsibility that live training offers.

The 37-year-old, who has 12 years experience as a coach, focuses on older adults and injury rehabilitation. He said some of his clients also employ AI.

"I think it's extremely useful, additional information is good," he stated.

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

Dafydd said AI can educate clients and make coaching more effective.

But, he said true dedication comes when people appear physically for training.

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

For many, he said, the fitness center is a place to disconnect from devices and take a break from technology.