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A runner

Following a holiday period packed with indulgent treats and relaxation, many people head into January aiming to regain their fitness momentum.

But, is it possible that Artificial Intelligence be changing the fitness industry by offering an option to personal trainers?

Tailored Plans and Adaptable Schedules

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

This young woman hailing from a town in Wales explained she appreciated the freedom to pose queries any time of day – something she felt was unavailable with a traditional coach.

She relied on an AI-powered fitness application that provided her personalised plans with voice guidance and speed targets for her inaugural half marathon in 2024.

She explained she requested it to create a plan combining cardio and the gym, and it generated an multi-week plan customized to her race date and goals.

The user then tweaked the plan to fit her daily routine, which she described was highly practical.

Subsequently, she opted for a alternative application because it was cheaper and she could consult it whenever she wanted. Her result was a full minute quicker than her target finish.

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

"With AI you have to motivate yourself, which I actually prefer," she remarked.

A weightlifter

Significant Strength Gains

Meanwhile, Richard Gallimore, 23, from Swansea, has been employing artificial intelligence for his exercise and nutrition programs, and reported he has never felt stronger, boosting his chest press from 70kg to 110kg.

He turned to a bot for help after being forced to walk a race.

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

This no-cost application constructed a fitness and meal program 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 said.

The Expense Contrast: Technology vs. Traditional Coaching

One recent study in late 2024 analyzed costs for 17 of the biggest fitness chains and found the typical monthly fee was approximately forty pounds per month, for standard full-access plans.

Prices ranged from £23 at the cheapest provider to £132 at the highest-priced.

According to industry research, personal trainers set their own rates, usually a range of thirty to sixty-five pounds per 45-60 minute session in most areas and about a similar range in the capital.

Customers typically use a coach once or twice a week and work with them for a few months, but these arrangements are often adaptable.

A personal trainer

The Essential Human Element

Fitness coach one experienced professional, from Cardiff, acknowledged artificial intelligence can be useful to accelerate results, but believes it will never replace the human connection and responsibility that live training offers.

This expert, who has over a decade of experience as a trainer, focuses on senior clients and injury rehabilitation. He mentioned some of his trainees also use technology.

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

"I think the more people are online the more they'll desire human connection because they crave the empathy from the comprehension that is missing from a machine," he continued.

The trainer explained Artificial intelligence can educate clients and make guidance more effective.

However, he said real commitment comes when people show up physically for their sessions.

"No matter how helpful as it is at the middle of the night, a digital tool cannot ensure you show up at early morning before work," he concluded.

In the view of many, he suggested, the gym is a place to disconnect from devices and take a break from technology.