Leah Walsh
Following a holiday period packed with rich foods and downtime, many people enter January aiming to regain their fitness momentum.
But, could AI be changing the world of exercise by offering an option to personal trainers?
Leah Walsh employed an AI tool for impromptu training for the Cardiff Half Marathon.
The 21-year-old from Aberdare explained she appreciated the liberty to pose queries any time of day – something she believed was not possible with a traditional coach.
Leah used an AI-powered running app that provided her personalised plans with voice guidance and speed targets for her inaugural half marathon in 2024.
She said she asked it to create a regimen combining running and the weight training, and it generated an 11-week programme customized to her event day and goals.
Leah then tweaked the plan to fit her lifestyle, which she described was highly practical.
Subsequently, she chose a alternative application because it was more affordable and she could ask it questions at any time. She finished a full minute quicker than her goal time.
She noted she wanted to avoid the pressure from a live instructor.
"Using artificial intelligence you have to find your own drive, which I actually prefer," she remarked.
A weightlifter
Meanwhile, Another individual, in his twenties, from a Welsh city, has been using artificial intelligence for his exercise and nutrition programs, and reported he has achieved peak strength, boosting his chest press from 70kg to a much heavier load.
Richard turned to a bot for help after being forced to walk a race.
"I realized I need to get myself in shape," he commented.
The free tool built a workout and diet plan tailored to his aims, and created organized workouts.
"I work out for about two hours a day and I've seen a noticeable change," he said.
A recent survey in late 2024 analyzed costs for numerous of the largest fitness chains and found the average membership cost was around £38 per month, based on standard memberships.
Fees started at £23 at the most affordable provider to £132 at the most expensive.
Based on industry research, personal trainers determine their own fees, typically £30-£65 per 45-60 minute session in most areas and about £45-£65 in London.
Customers typically hire a trainer once or twice a week and work with them for a short period, but these arrangements are often adaptable.
Dafydd Judd
Personal trainer one experienced professional, from Cardiff, acknowledged AI can be useful to accelerate results, but is convinced it will never replace the human connection and accountability that live training offers.
The 37-year-old, who has 12 years experience as a trainer, focuses on older adults and injury rehabilitation. He said some of his clients also use technology.
"I think it's extremely useful, additional information is positive," he stated.
"I think the more that people are online the more they'll desire personal contact because they crave the warmth from the understanding that is missing from a machine," he added.
The trainer explained AI can educate users and make coaching more effective.
However, he said real commitment comes when people show up in person for their sessions.
"No matter how helpful as it is at the middle of the night, a digital tool won't keep you accountable at 7am before work," Dafydd added.
In the view of many, he suggested, the gym is a space to leave phones behind and take a break from technology.
