🔗 Share this article

A runner

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

However, could Artificial Intelligence be changing the fitness industry by offering an alternative to personal trainers?

Personalized Plans and Adaptable Timelines

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

This young woman from Aberdare said she appreciated the freedom to pose queries any time of day – something she felt was unavailable with a personal trainer.

Leah relied on an AI-driven running app that provided her customized schedules with audio coaching and pace setting for her inaugural long-distance race in 2024.

She said she requested it to design a regimen merging cardio and the weight training, and it generated an 11-week programme customized to her race date and goals.

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

The following year, she opted for a alternative application because it was cheaper and she could ask it questions at any time. Her result was a full minute quicker than her goal time.

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

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

A weightlifter

Remarkable Fitness Gains

In a similar case, Another individual, in his twenties, from Swansea, has been using AI for his fitness and diet plans, and said he has achieved peak strength, boosting his bench press from 70kg to a much heavier load.

Richard resorted to a bot for help after being unable to run a race.

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

This no-cost application built a fitness and meal program tailored to his aims, and established organized workouts.

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

The Cost Contrast: Technology vs. Traditional Training

One recent study in late 2024 compared prices for 17 of the biggest fitness chains and found the typical monthly fee was approximately forty pounds a month, for basic full-access plans.

Prices started at £23 at the cheapest provider to a premium rate at the highest-priced.

According to further data, personal trainers determine their own fees, 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 will often use a coach once or twice a week and work with them for a few months, however these agreements are often adaptable.

A personal trainer

The Irreplaceable Human Element

Fitness coach one experienced professional, based in the Welsh capital, acknowledged AI can be beneficial to accelerate results, but believes it will never replace the personal interaction and accountability that live training offers.

This expert, who has 12 years experience as a trainer, focuses on older adults and recovery from injuries. He mentioned some of his clients also use AI.

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

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

The trainer said AI can inform users and make coaching more effective.

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

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

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