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A runner

Following a holiday period packed with indulgent treats and downtime, numerous individuals head into the new year looking to get their fitness back on track.

However, could AI be transforming the fitness industry by providing an option to personal trainers?

Tailored Plans and Flexible Timelines

One fitness enthusiast employed an AI tool for last-minute training for the a major running event.

This young woman hailing from a town in Wales explained she liked the liberty to pose queries at all hours – a feature she felt was not possible with a traditional coach.

Leah used an AI-driven fitness application that provided her customized schedules with audio coaching and pace setting for her first half marathon in recent years.

She explained she asked it to design a plan merging cardio and the weight training, and it generated an multi-week plan customized to her event day and objectives.

Leah then tweaked the plan to suit her lifestyle, which she described was convenient.

The following year, she opted for a different tool because it was more affordable and she could ask it questions at any time. Her result was a full minute quicker than her goal time.

She said she wanted to avoid the pressure from a human personal trainer.

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

Richard Gallimore

Remarkable Fitness Gains

Meanwhile, Richard Gallimore, in his twenties, from a Welsh city, has been employing artificial intelligence for his fitness and diet plans, and reported he has achieved peak strength, boosting his chest press from a lower weight to a much heavier load.

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

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

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

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

The Cost Contrast: AI vs. Conventional Training

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

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

Based on industry research, fitness coaches set their own rates, usually £30-£65 per 45-60 minute session outside London and about a similar range in the capital.

Clients will often hire a trainer one or two times a week and collaborate for a short period, however these agreements are often adaptable.

A personal trainer

The Irreplaceable Human Element

Fitness coach one experienced professional, from Cardiff, acknowledged AI can be beneficial to speed up progress, but is convinced it will never replace the human connection and accountability that live training provides.

The 37-year-old, who has 12 years experience as a coach, focuses on older adults and injury rehabilitation. He mentioned some of his clients also employ AI.

"I think it's very valuable, additional information is positive," he stated.

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

Dafydd said AI can inform users and make coaching more effective.

But, he argued true dedication comes when people show up in person for their sessions.

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

For many, he suggested, the fitness center is a space to leave phones behind and stop being glued to screens.