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Leah Walsh

Following a festive period filled with indulgent treats and downtime, many people enter January aiming to regain their fitness momentum.

But, is it possible that AI be transforming the world of exercise by providing an option to personal trainers?

Personalized Programs and Flexible Timelines

One fitness enthusiast employed an artificial intelligence application for impromptu preparation for the Cardiff Half Marathon.

The 21-year-old hailing from Aberdare said she liked the freedom to ask it questions at all hours – a feature she believed was unavailable with a personal trainer.

Leah used an AI-driven running app that provided her personalised plans with audio coaching and speed targets for her inaugural long-distance race in recent years.

She explained she asked it to create a plan merging cardio and the gym, and it produced an multi-week programme customized to her event day and goals.

Leah then tweaked the plan to suit her daily routine, which she said was convenient.

The following year, she opted for a alternative application because it was more affordable and she could consult it whenever she wanted. Her result was a full minute quicker than her goal time.

She said she wanted to avoid the pressure from a live instructor.

"Using artificial intelligence you have to motivate yourself, which I actually prefer," she added.

Richard Gallimore

Significant Fitness Improvements

Meanwhile, Richard Gallimore, 23, based in Swansea, has been employing AI for his exercise and nutrition programs, and reported he has never felt stronger, increasing his bench press from a lower weight to 110kg.

He resorted to a bot for assistance after being unable to run a race.

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

The free tool built a fitness and meal program personalized to his goals, and established organized workouts.

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

The Cost Contrast: AI vs. Conventional Coaching

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

Fees ranged from £23 at the most affordable provider to £132 at the highest-priced.

Based on further data, personal trainers set their own rates, typically a range of thirty to sixty-five pounds per hour-long appointment outside London and about £45-£65 in London.

Customers will often hire a coach one or two times a week and collaborate for a short period, but these arrangements are completely flexible.

A personal trainer

The Irreplaceable Human Touch

Personal trainer one experienced professional, based in Cardiff, acknowledged artificial intelligence can be useful to accelerate results, but is convinced it will never replace the personal interaction and accountability that live training offers.

This expert, who has over a decade of experience as a coach, specialises in older adults and injury rehabilitation. He mentioned a number of his trainees also employ AI.

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

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

The trainer said AI can educate clients and make guidance more efficient.

However, he argued true dedication comes when people show up physically for their sessions.

"No matter how helpful as it is at 2am, a computer won't keep you accountable at 7am before work," he concluded.

For many, he suggested, the gym is a place to leave phones behind and take a break from technology.