A runner
After a holiday period filled with indulgent treats and relaxation, numerous individuals enter January looking to regain their fitness momentum.
However, could AI be transforming the world of exercise by offering an alternative to personal trainers?
One fitness enthusiast employed an artificial intelligence application for impromptu preparation for the Cardiff Half Marathon.
The 21-year-old from a town in Wales explained she liked the freedom to pose queries at all hours – something she felt was unavailable with a personal trainer.
She relied on an AI-powered running app that provided her customized schedules with voice guidance and speed targets for her first long-distance race in 2024.
She explained she asked it to create a regimen merging cardio and the gym, and it generated an multi-week plan customized to her race date and goals.
The user then adjusted the schedule to suit her daily routine, which she said was highly practical.
The following year, she opted for a different tool because it was more affordable and she could ask it questions whenever she wanted. She finished a minute faster than her target finish.
She noted she did not want feeling pressure from a human personal trainer.
"Using AI you have to motivate yourself, which I actually prefer," she remarked.
Richard Gallimore
Meanwhile, Richard Gallimore, in his twenties, from Swansea, has been employing AI for his fitness and diet plans, and said he has never felt stronger, boosting his chest press from 70kg to 110kg.
Richard resorted to a AI assistant for help after being forced to walk a running event.
"I just knew I need to sort myself out," he said.
The free tool built a workout and diet plan personalized to his aims, and established structured routines.
"I work out for about two hours a day and I've seen a real difference," he said.
One recent study in late 2024 analyzed costs for numerous of the biggest gym brands and found the typical monthly fee was approximately forty pounds per month, based on basic memberships.
Fees started at £23 at the cheapest chain to £132 at the most expensive.
According to industry research, personal trainers determine their own fees, usually a range of thirty to sixty-five pounds per hour-long appointment in most areas and about a similar range in London.
Customers typically hire a trainer one or two times a week and collaborate for a short period, however these agreements are completely flexible.
Dafydd Judd
Fitness coach one experienced professional, from Cardiff, acknowledged AI can be beneficial to accelerate results, but is convinced it will never replace the human connection and responsibility that live training provides.
The 37-year-old, who has 12 years experience as a coach, specialises in senior clients and recovery from injuries. He said some of his clients also employ AI.
"I think it's extremely useful, additional information is positive," he stated.
"I think the more people are online the more they'll want human connection because they want the empathy from the understanding that is missing from a machine," he added.
The trainer explained AI can inform clients and make guidance more efficient.
However, he argued real commitment comes when people show up physically for training.
"As useful as it is at the middle of the night, a digital tool won't keep you accountable at 7am before work," he concluded.
For many, he suggested, the fitness center is a space to disconnect from devices and take a break from technology.
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