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Following a holiday season often filled with indulgence and rest, many individuals look to regain their fitness momentum in January. Recently, artificial intelligence (AI) has emerged as a potential game-changer in the fitness world, offering an alternative to traditional personal trainers.
Leah Walsh, a 21-year-old from Aberdare in Rhondda Cynon Taf, turned to AI to prepare for the Cardiff Half Marathon on short notice. She appreciated the flexibility to interact with the AI tool at any hour, something she found lacking with a human trainer. Using an AI-powered running app, Leah received a customized training plan that included audio coaching and pacing tailored specifically to her race goals. She requested a program combining running with gym work, resulting in an 11-week schedule designed around her race date. Leah adjusted the plan to fit her daily life, appreciating this convenience. The following year, she opted for a different, more affordable AI tool that also allowed round-the-clock interaction. This approach helped her finish a minute faster than her targeted time. Reflecting on her experience, Leah noted, “With AI you have to motivate yourself, which I quite like,” expressing a preference for the self-driven nature of AI guidance over the pressure sometimes associated with human trainers.
Similarly, Richard Gallimore from Swansea has incorporated AI into both his fitness and nutrition routines. At 23 years old, Richard credits AI for helping him significantly increase his bench press from 70kg (150lb) to 110kg (240lb). Motivated by a previous experience that forced him to walk rather than run at an event, Richard sought AI assistance to get in shape. He used a free AI bot that tailored workout and diet plans according to his goals and provided structured routines. He stated, “I train for about two hours a day and I’ve seen a real difference.”
On the economic side, a November 2024 Which? survey examined costs among 17 major gym brands, revealing an average monthly membership fee of £38 for standard full access, with prices ranging between £23 and £132. Meanwhile, PureGym research found personal trainers set their own rates, typically charging £30-£65 per 45 to 60-minute session outside London, and about £45-£65 within London. Clients usually engage trainers once or twice weekly over several months, but arrangements remain highly flexible.
Despite the rise of AI in fitness, personal trainer Dafydd Judd from Cardiff, who has 12 years of experience working with older adults and injury rehabilitation, believes AI should be seen as a complement rather than a replacement for in-person coaching. While he acknowledges AI’s value for providing knowledge and aiding progress, he emphasizes the unique human connection and accountability that come with face-to-face training. “I think the more that people are online the more they’ll want human connection because they want the warmth from the understanding that is missing from a computer,” Dafydd explained. He also pointed out, “As useful as it is at 2am, a computer won’t keep you accountable at 7am before work.” For many clients, Dafydd noted, the gym represents a rare opportunity to disconnect from screens and engage directly with their fitness journey
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