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A runner

Following a holiday period packed with indulgent treats and downtime, numerous individuals enter January aiming to regain their fitness momentum.

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

Personalized Programs and Flexible Schedules

Leah Walsh used an AI tool for last-minute training for the a major running event.

This young woman from a town in Wales said she liked the liberty to pose queries at all hours – a feature she felt was not possible with a personal trainer.

Leah used an AI-powered fitness application that gave her personalised plans with audio coaching and pace setting for her inaugural long-distance race in recent years.

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

The user then adjusted the schedule to suit her lifestyle, which she said was convenient.

The following year, she opted for a alternative application because it was cheaper and she could consult it at any time. Her result was a minute faster than her target finish.

She said she did not want feeling pressure from a human personal trainer.

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

Richard Gallimore

Remarkable Fitness 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 never felt stronger, increasing his bench press from 70kg to a much heavier load.

He turned to a bot for assistance after being forced to walk a running event.

"I realized I need to sort myself out," he commented.

This no-cost application constructed a workout and diet plan tailored to his goals, and created structured routines.

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

The Expense Contrast: AI vs. Conventional Training

One recent survey in late 2024 compared costs for numerous of the largest gym brands and found the average membership cost was approximately forty pounds per month, for standard memberships.

Prices started at £23 at the cheapest provider to a premium rate at the most expensive.

According to industry research, personal trainers set their own rates, usually a range of thirty to sixty-five pounds per hour-long appointment outside London and about a similar range in the capital.

Clients typically use a coach once or twice a week and work with them for a short period, however these agreements are completely flexible.

A personal trainer

The Irreplaceable Human Element

Fitness coach one experienced professional, from the Welsh capital, acknowledged artificial intelligence can be beneficial to speed up progress, but believes it will never replace the human connection and responsibility that live training provides.

The 37-year-old, who has over a decade of experience as a coach, focuses on senior clients and recovery from injuries. He mentioned a number of his clients also employ AI.

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

"I believe the more people are connected digitally the more they'll want human connection because they want the warmth from the understanding that is absent from a computer," he continued.

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

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

"No matter how helpful as it is at 2am, a digital tool cannot ensure you show up at early morning before work," he added.

For many, he suggested, the gym is a place to leave phones behind and stop being glued to screens.