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A runner

After a festive period filled with indulgent treats and relaxation, many people head into January aiming to regain their fitness momentum.

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

Tailored Programs and Adaptable Schedules

Leah Walsh used an artificial intelligence application for last-minute preparation for the Cardiff Half Marathon.

The 21-year-old from Aberdare said she appreciated the liberty to ask it questions at all hours – a feature she believed was not possible with a personal trainer.

Leah used an AI-driven running app that provided her personalised plans with audio coaching and speed targets for her inaugural long-distance race in recent years.

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

The user then tweaked the schedule to suit her daily routine, which she described was highly practical.

The following year, she chose a alternative application because it was more affordable and she could ask it questions whenever she wanted. Her result was 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 added.

Richard Gallimore

Significant Strength Gains

In a similar case, Another individual, 23, from Swansea, has been using artificial intelligence for his fitness and diet plans, and said he has achieved peak strength, boosting his bench press from 70kg to a much heavier load.

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

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

The free tool constructed a workout and diet plan personalized to his goals, and created structured routines.

"I train for about 120 minutes a day and I've seen a real difference," he added.

The Expense Comparison: AI vs. Traditional Training

A recent survey in late 2024 compared costs for numerous of the biggest fitness chains and found the typical monthly fee was approximately forty pounds per month, for standard memberships.

Fees ranged from a lower price at the cheapest chain to a premium rate at the most expensive.

According to industry research, fitness coaches set their own rates, typically £30-£65 per 45-60 minute appointment outside London and about a similar range in the capital.

Clients will often hire a coach one or two times a week and collaborate for a few months, but these agreements are completely flexible.

A personal trainer

The Essential Personal Element

Fitness coach one experienced professional, based in Cardiff, acknowledged AI can be useful to speed up progress, but is convinced it will never replace the personal interaction and responsibility that live training provides.

This expert, who has over a decade of experience as a coach, specialises in older adults and recovery from injuries. He mentioned some of his clients also employ technology.

"In my opinion it's very valuable, more knowledge is good," he stated.

"I think the more people are connected digitally the more they'll desire personal contact because they crave the empathy from the understanding that is absent from a computer," he added.

Dafydd said Artificial intelligence can educate clients and make coaching more efficient.

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

"As useful as it is at 2am, a computer won't keep you accountable at 7am before work," Dafydd added.

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