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Leah Walsh

Following a festive period filled with indulgent treats and downtime, many people head into January looking to get their fitness back on track.

But, could Artificial Intelligence be transforming the world of exercise by providing an alternative to personal trainers?

Tailored Programs and Flexible Schedules

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

This young woman hailing from a town in Wales explained she liked the liberty to pose queries any time of day – something she believed was not possible with a personal trainer.

Leah used an AI-driven fitness application that gave her customized schedules with voice guidance and pace setting for her first long-distance race in recent years.

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

The user then adjusted the schedule to fit her daily routine, which she said was highly practical.

Subsequently, she opted for a alternative application because it was cheaper and she could consult it whenever she wanted. Her result was a minute faster 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 added.

Richard Gallimore

Significant Fitness Gains

In a similar case, Richard Gallimore, 23, based in a Welsh city, has been employing artificial intelligence for his exercise and nutrition programs, and said he has achieved peak strength, boosting his chest press from 70kg to 110kg.

He turned to a AI assistant for assistance after being unable to run a race.

"I realized I had to get myself in shape," he said.

This no-cost application built a fitness and meal program personalized to his goals, and created structured routines.

"I work out for about two hours a day and I've seen a real difference," he said.

The Cost Comparison: AI vs. Traditional Training

One recent study in the previous year compared costs for 17 of the largest fitness chains and found the average membership cost was approximately forty pounds a month, for basic full-access plans.

Prices started at £23 at the cheapest chain to a premium rate at the highest-priced.

According to further data, fitness coaches determine their own fees, typically a range of thirty to sixty-five pounds per hour-long session in most areas and about £45-£65 in London.

Customers typically use a trainer one or two times a week and work with them for a few months, however these arrangements are often adaptable.

A personal trainer

The Essential Human Element

Fitness coach Dafydd Judd, based in the Welsh capital, said artificial intelligence can be useful to accelerate results, but is convinced it will not supplant the personal interaction and accountability that live training provides.

The 37-year-old, who has 12 years experience as a trainer, focuses on senior clients and recovery from injuries. He said a number of his clients also employ technology.

"In my opinion it's extremely useful, additional information is good," he stated.

"I think the more that people are online the more they'll desire human connection because they crave the warmth from the understanding that is absent from a machine," he added.

The trainer explained Artificial intelligence can inform clients and make guidance more efficient.

However, he said true dedication comes when people show up physically for training.

"As useful as it is at 2am, a digital tool won't keep you accountable at 7am before work," he added.

In the view of many, he said, the fitness center is a place to leave phones behind and take a break from technology.