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A runner

After a festive period packed with indulgent treats and downtime, many people enter January looking to regain their fitness momentum.

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

Personalized Programs and Flexible Timelines

Leah Walsh used an AI tool for last-minute preparation for the a major running event.

This young woman hailing from Aberdare said she appreciated the liberty to pose queries any time of day – a feature she believed was unavailable with a personal trainer.

She relied on an AI-driven fitness application that gave her personalised plans with audio coaching and speed targets for her inaugural half marathon in recent years.

She explained she requested it to create a plan merging cardio and the gym, and it produced an multi-week programme customized to her event day and objectives.

Leah then adjusted the plan to suit her daily routine, which she described was highly practical.

The following year, she chose a different tool because it was cheaper and she could ask it questions at any time. Her result was a full minute quicker than her goal time.

She said she wanted to avoid feeling pressure from a live instructor.

"With artificial intelligence you have to find your own drive, which I actually prefer," she added.

Richard Gallimore

Significant Fitness Improvements

In a similar case, Richard Gallimore, 23, based in a Welsh city, has been using artificial intelligence for his fitness and diet plans, and reported he has achieved peak strength, increasing his bench press from 70kg to a much heavier load.

Richard resorted to a bot for help after being forced to walk a running event.

"I realized I had to get myself in shape," he commented.

This no-cost application built a workout and diet plan tailored to his goals, and established organized workouts.

"I train for about two hours a day and I've seen a real difference," he added.

The Expense Contrast: Technology vs. Traditional Training

A recent study in late 2024 compared costs for numerous of the largest fitness chains and found the typical monthly fee was around £38 a month, for basic memberships.

Prices ranged from £23 at the most affordable provider to £132 at the highest-priced.

According to industry research, fitness coaches set their own rates, usually £30-£65 per hour-long session in most areas and about a similar range in London.

Clients typically hire a trainer once or twice a week and collaborate for a short period, however these agreements are often adaptable.

Dafydd Judd

The Irreplaceable Human Element

Fitness coach one experienced professional, based in Cardiff, acknowledged AI can be useful to accelerate results, but believes it will not supplant the personal interaction and accountability that in-person coaching offers.

The 37-year-old, who has over a decade of experience as a coach, specialises in senior clients and recovery from injuries. He said a number of his clients also employ AI.

"I think it's extremely useful, additional information is good," he stated.

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

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

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

"No matter how helpful as it is at 2am, a computer won't keep you accountable at 7am before work," Dafydd concluded.

For many, he said, the fitness center is a space to disconnect from devices and take a break from technology.