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A runner

Following a holiday period filled with rich foods and downtime, numerous individuals enter the new year aiming to get their fitness back on track.

But, could AI be transforming the world of exercise by offering an alternative to personal trainers?

Personalized Programs and Adaptable Schedules

One fitness enthusiast used an artificial intelligence application for impromptu preparation for the a major running event.

This young woman from a town in Wales explained she appreciated the liberty to pose queries at all hours – something she felt was unavailable with a traditional coach.

Leah relied on an AI-powered running app that gave her personalised plans with audio coaching and pace setting for her inaugural half marathon in recent years.

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

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

The following year, she opted for a alternative application because it was cheaper and she could ask it questions whenever she wanted. Her result was a minute faster than her target finish.

She noted she wanted to avoid the pressure from a live instructor.

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

A weightlifter

Significant Strength Improvements

Meanwhile, Another individual, in his twenties, from a Welsh city, has been using AI for his fitness and diet plans, and reported he has achieved peak strength, boosting his bench press from 70kg to a much heavier load.

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

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

The free tool constructed a workout and diet plan tailored to his goals, and established organized workouts.

"I work out for about 120 minutes a day and I've seen a noticeable change," he added.

The Expense Comparison: AI vs. Conventional Coaching

One recent survey in late 2024 analyzed costs for numerous of the biggest fitness chains and found the typical monthly fee was approximately forty pounds a month, based on basic full-access plans.

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

Based on industry research, personal trainers determine their own fees, usually £30-£65 per hour-long appointment outside London and about a similar range in the capital.

Customers typically use a coach one or two times a week and collaborate for a few months, however these arrangements are often adaptable.

A personal trainer

The Essential Personal Touch

Fitness coach one experienced professional, from Cardiff, said artificial intelligence can be beneficial to speed up progress, but believes it will never replace the personal interaction and responsibility that in-person coaching provides.

This expert, who has over a decade of experience as a trainer, focuses on older adults and injury rehabilitation. He said some of his trainees also use AI.

"In my opinion it's extremely useful, more knowledge is good," he stated.

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

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

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

"As useful as it is at the middle of the night, a computer won't keep you accountable at early morning before work," Dafydd added.

In the view of many, he said, the gym is a space to disconnect from devices and stop being glued to screens.