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A runner

Following a festive period packed with rich foods and downtime, numerous individuals head into the new year looking to regain their fitness momentum.

However, is it possible that AI be changing the fitness industry by offering an option to personal trainers?

Personalized Programs and Adaptable Schedules

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

The 21-year-old hailing from a town in Wales explained she appreciated the liberty to pose queries at all hours – something she believed was not possible with a personal trainer.

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

She explained she requested it to design a plan merging running and the gym, and it produced an multi-week plan tailored to her event day and objectives.

Leah then tweaked the schedule to suit her daily routine, which she described was highly practical.

Subsequently, she opted for a alternative application because it was cheaper and she could ask it questions at any time. Her result was a minute faster than her target finish.

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

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

A weightlifter

Remarkable Fitness Gains

Meanwhile, Another individual, 23, from Swansea, has been using artificial intelligence for his fitness and diet plans, and reported he has never felt stronger, increasing his chest press from 70kg to 110kg.

Richard resorted to a bot for help after being forced to walk a running event.

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

The free tool constructed a fitness and meal program tailored to his goals, and created organized workouts.

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

The Expense Contrast: AI vs. Conventional Training

One recent study in late 2024 analyzed prices for numerous of the largest fitness chains and found the typical monthly fee was around £38 a month, for basic full-access plans.

Fees ranged from a lower price at the most affordable provider to a premium rate at the highest-priced.

Based on further data, personal trainers set their own rates, usually £30-£65 per 45-60 minute appointment outside London and about a similar range in the capital.

Clients will often use a coach one or two times a week and work with them for a short period, but these agreements are completely flexible.

Dafydd Judd

The Essential Human Element

Personal trainer Dafydd Judd, from Cardiff, acknowledged AI can be beneficial to accelerate results, but believes it will never replace the personal interaction and responsibility that live training provides.

The 37-year-old, who has 12 years experience as a trainer, focuses on senior clients and injury rehabilitation. He said some of his trainees also use AI.

"In my opinion it's very valuable, additional information is positive," he said.

"I think the more that people are connected digitally the more they'll desire human connection because they crave the warmth from the understanding that is missing from a machine," he continued.

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

However, he argued true dedication comes when people show up in person for training.

"No matter how helpful as it is at the middle of the night, a computer won't keep you accountable at 7am before work," he concluded.

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