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A runner

After a holiday period filled with rich foods and downtime, many people head into the new year looking to regain their fitness momentum.

However, is it possible that AI be changing the world of exercise by offering an alternative to personal trainers?

Tailored Plans and Adaptable Timelines

One fitness enthusiast employed an artificial intelligence application for last-minute preparation for the Cardiff Half Marathon.

The 21-year-old from a town in Wales said she liked the freedom to ask it questions at all hours – something she believed was not possible with a traditional coach.

She relied on an AI-powered fitness application that gave her personalised plans with voice guidance and pace setting for her inaugural long-distance race in recent years.

She explained she requested it to create a plan merging running and the weight training, and it generated an 11-week plan tailored to her event day and objectives.

The user then adjusted the plan to fit her daily routine, which she described was convenient.

The following year, she chose a alternative application because it was cheaper and she could ask it questions at any time. She finished a full minute quicker than her goal time.

She said she did not want the pressure from a live instructor.

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

A weightlifter

Remarkable Strength Improvements

In a similar case, Another individual, 23, based in Swansea, has been employing artificial intelligence for his exercise and nutrition programs, and reported he has achieved peak strength, boosting his chest press from 70kg to 110kg.

Richard turned to a AI assistant for help after being unable to run a race.

"I just knew I need to get myself in shape," he commented.

The free tool constructed a workout and diet plan personalized to his goals, and created structured routines.

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

The Expense Comparison: Technology vs. Traditional Coaching

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

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

According to further data, personal trainers determine their own fees, typically £30-£65 per hour-long session outside London and about a similar range in London.

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

A personal trainer

The Essential Personal Touch

Personal trainer one experienced professional, from the Welsh capital, said AI can be beneficial to speed up progress, but believes it will never replace the personal interaction and accountability that live training provides.

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

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

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

Dafydd said Artificial intelligence can educate users and make guidance more effective.

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

"As useful as it is at the middle of the night, a digital tool cannot ensure you show up at early morning before work," he concluded.

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