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A runner

After a festive period filled with rich foods and downtime, numerous individuals head into January looking to regain their fitness momentum.

But, could Artificial Intelligence be transforming the fitness industry by offering an option to human coaches?

Personalized Plans and Flexible Timelines

Leah Walsh employed an AI tool for impromptu training for the a major running event.

The 21-year-old from Aberdare explained she liked the freedom to ask it questions any time of day – a feature she felt was not possible with a personal trainer.

She relied on an AI-powered running app that provided her personalised plans with audio coaching and pace setting for her inaugural long-distance race in 2024.

She said she asked it to design a plan merging running and the weight training, and it produced an 11-week plan customized to her race date and goals.

Leah then tweaked the schedule to fit her daily routine, which she said was highly practical.

Subsequently, 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 wanted to avoid the pressure from a human personal trainer.

"With AI you have to motivate yourself, which I actually prefer," she added.

A weightlifter

Remarkable Strength Improvements

Meanwhile, Richard Gallimore, 23, based in Swansea, has been employing AI for his exercise and nutrition programs, and said he has achieved peak strength, increasing his chest press from a lower weight to a much heavier load.

Richard resorted to a bot for assistance after being unable to run a running event.

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

This no-cost application constructed a fitness and meal program personalized to his aims, and established organized workouts.

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

The Expense Contrast: AI vs. Conventional Coaching

A recent survey in late 2024 compared costs for 17 of the biggest gym brands and found the average membership cost was approximately forty pounds per month, for basic full-access plans.

Prices started at a lower price at the most affordable chain to £132 at the most expensive.

Based on 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 a similar range in London.

Clients typically use a coach once or twice a week and collaborate for a few months, but these agreements are completely flexible.

A personal trainer

The Essential Human Element

Personal trainer Dafydd Judd, based in Cardiff, said AI can be useful to speed up progress, but believes it will never replace the personal interaction and accountability that in-person coaching provides.

The 37-year-old, who has over a decade of experience as a trainer, specialises in senior clients and injury rehabilitation. He said a number of his clients also use technology.

"In my opinion it's extremely useful, more knowledge is good," he said.

"I believe the more people are online the more they'll desire personal contact because they want the warmth from the understanding that is absent from a machine," he continued.

The trainer explained Artificial intelligence can educate users and make guidance more efficient.

But, he argued true dedication comes when people appear physically for their sessions.

"As useful as it is at 2am, a computer won't keep you accountable at early morning before work," he added.

For many, he suggested, the gym is a place to disconnect from devices and stop being glued to screens.