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Leah Walsh

After a festive period filled with indulgent treats and downtime, numerous individuals enter the new year looking to get their fitness back on track.

However, is it possible that AI be changing the fitness industry by offering an alternative to human coaches?

Tailored Plans and Adaptable Schedules

One fitness enthusiast used an artificial intelligence application for last-minute preparation for the a major running event.

The 21-year-old from a town in Wales explained she appreciated the liberty to ask it questions any time of day – something she believed was not possible with a personal trainer.

Leah used an AI-powered running app that provided her customized schedules with audio coaching and speed targets for her inaugural half marathon in recent years.

She explained she asked it to create a plan merging running and the weight training, and it produced an 11-week plan tailored to her event day and goals.

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

Subsequently, she chose a alternative application because it was more affordable and she could consult it whenever she wanted. She finished a minute faster than her goal time.

She said she wanted to avoid feeling pressure from a human personal trainer.

"With artificial intelligence you have to motivate yourself, which I quite like," she added.

Richard Gallimore

Significant Strength Gains

In a similar case, Another individual, in his twenties, from a Welsh city, has been employing artificial intelligence for his fitness and diet plans, and said he has achieved peak strength, increasing his bench press from a lower weight to a much heavier load.

Richard 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 tailored to his aims, and established organized workouts.

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

The Expense Comparison: AI vs. Traditional Training

A recent survey in late 2024 analyzed prices for 17 of the biggest fitness chains and found the average membership cost was around £38 per month, for basic memberships.

Fees started at £23 at the cheapest provider to £132 at the highest-priced.

According to further data, fitness coaches determine their own fees, usually a range of thirty to sixty-five pounds per 45-60 minute appointment in most areas and about a similar range in London.

Clients typically use a coach one or two times a week and work with them for a short period, but these arrangements are completely flexible.

Dafydd Judd

The Irreplaceable Human Touch

Fitness coach Dafydd Judd, based in the Welsh capital, acknowledged artificial intelligence can be useful to accelerate results, but believes it will never replace the human connection and accountability that in-person coaching provides.

The 37-year-old, who has 12 years experience as a coach, specialises in older adults and recovery from injuries. He mentioned some of his trainees also use AI.

"In my opinion it's very valuable, additional information is good," he stated.

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

The trainer explained AI can educate users and make guidance more effective.

But, he said true dedication comes when people show up in person for their sessions.

"No matter how helpful as it is at the middle of the night, a computer won't keep you accountable at 7am before work," he added.

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