🔗 Share this article

A runner

Following a holiday period filled with indulgent treats and downtime, numerous individuals head into January looking to regain their fitness momentum.

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

Personalized Programs and Adaptable Schedules

Leah Walsh used an artificial intelligence application for last-minute training for the Cardiff Half Marathon.

The 21-year-old from a town in Wales said she appreciated the liberty to ask it questions any time of day – a feature she felt was unavailable with a personal trainer.

Leah relied on an AI-driven fitness application that provided her personalised plans with voice guidance and pace setting for her inaugural long-distance race in 2024.

She explained she asked it to create a regimen combining running and the weight training, and it generated an 11-week programme customized to her race date and objectives.

The user then tweaked the schedule to suit her lifestyle, which she said was highly practical.

Subsequently, she opted for a different tool because it was cheaper and she could ask it questions whenever she wanted. Her result was a full minute quicker than her goal time.

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

"With artificial intelligence you have to find your own drive, which I quite like," she remarked.

Richard Gallimore

Remarkable Fitness Gains

In a similar case, Another individual, in his twenties, based in Swansea, has been using artificial intelligence for his exercise and nutrition programs, and reported he has never felt stronger, boosting his chest press from a lower weight to 110kg.

He turned to a AI assistant for help after being unable to run a running event.

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

The free tool built a fitness and meal program personalized to his aims, and created structured routines.

"I work out for about 120 minutes a day and I've seen a noticeable change," he said.

The Expense Comparison: AI vs. Conventional Training

One recent study in the previous year analyzed prices for 17 of the largest gym brands and found the typical monthly fee was approximately forty pounds a month, for basic memberships.

Prices started at a lower price at the cheapest provider to £132 at the highest-priced.

According to industry research, personal trainers set their own rates, typically £30-£65 per hour-long session outside London and about a similar range in London.

Clients typically hire a coach one or two times a week and work with them for a few months, but these agreements are often adaptable.

A personal trainer

The Irreplaceable Personal Touch

Personal trainer one experienced professional, based in Cardiff, acknowledged artificial intelligence can be beneficial to accelerate results, but believes it will never replace the personal interaction and responsibility that in-person coaching provides.

The 37-year-old, who has over a decade of experience as a trainer, focuses on older adults and recovery from injuries. He said a number of his trainees also use AI.

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

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

Dafydd explained AI can inform users and make guidance more effective.

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

"As useful as it is at the middle of the night, a computer won't keep you accountable at 7am before work," he concluded.

For many, he said, the gym is a place to disconnect from devices and take a break from technology.