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Leah Walsh

After a holiday period filled with rich foods and relaxation, many people head into January aiming to get their fitness back on track.

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

Tailored Programs and Flexible Schedules

One fitness enthusiast employed an AI tool for impromptu preparation for the Cardiff Half Marathon.

This young woman from Aberdare said she liked the liberty to pose queries at all hours – something she believed was not possible with a traditional coach.

She relied on an AI-powered fitness application that provided her customized schedules with audio coaching and speed targets for her inaugural long-distance race in recent years.

She explained she asked it to design a plan combining running and the weight training, and it generated an 11-week plan customized to her race date and goals.

Leah then adjusted the plan to fit her daily routine, which she said was convenient.

The following year, she chose a alternative application because it was more affordable and she could consult it at any time. She finished a full minute quicker than her target finish.

She said she did not want feeling pressure from a live instructor.

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

A weightlifter

Significant Strength Improvements

Meanwhile, Another individual, 23, from Swansea, has been employing AI for his fitness and diet plans, and reported he has achieved peak strength, increasing his bench press from 70kg to a much heavier load.

He resorted to a AI assistant for help after being forced to walk a running event.

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

The free tool built a workout and diet plan tailored to his aims, and created organized workouts.

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

The Cost Contrast: AI vs. Traditional Coaching

A recent survey in late 2024 analyzed costs for 17 of the biggest fitness chains and found the average membership cost was around £38 per month, for basic full-access plans.

Prices ranged from a lower price at the most affordable chain to a premium rate at the most expensive.

According to industry research, personal trainers set their own rates, typically £30-£65 per 45-60 minute appointment outside London and about £45-£65 in the capital.

Clients typically use a coach once or twice a week and collaborate for a short period, but these arrangements are completely flexible.

A personal trainer

The Essential Human Element

Fitness coach Dafydd Judd, from Cardiff, acknowledged AI can be useful to accelerate results, but believes it will not supplant the human connection and responsibility that live training provides.

This expert, who has 12 years experience as a coach, specialises in senior clients and recovery from injuries. He mentioned a number of his clients also employ AI.

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

"I believe 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 machine," he continued.

Dafydd explained Artificial intelligence can educate users and make coaching more efficient.

However, he said real commitment comes when people appear in person for training.

"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," Dafydd added.

In the view of many, he suggested, the fitness center is a space to leave phones behind and stop being glued to screens.