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A runner

After a holiday period packed with indulgent treats and relaxation, numerous individuals enter January looking to get their fitness back on track.

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

Personalized Programs and Flexible Timelines

One fitness enthusiast employed an artificial intelligence application for last-minute preparation for the Cardiff Half Marathon.

This young woman from a town in Wales said she appreciated the freedom to ask it questions any time of day – a feature she believed was not possible with a personal trainer.

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

She explained she asked it to design a regimen combining cardio and the gym, and it generated an multi-week plan tailored to her race date and objectives.

Leah then adjusted the plan to fit her lifestyle, which she described was convenient.

Subsequently, she opted for a different tool because it was more affordable and she could ask it questions at any time. Her result was a full minute quicker than her target finish.

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

"Using artificial intelligence you have to motivate yourself, which I actually prefer," she remarked.

Richard Gallimore

Remarkable Fitness Gains

Meanwhile, Richard Gallimore, in his twenties, based in a Welsh city, has been using AI for his fitness and diet plans, and said he has never felt stronger, boosting his bench press from a lower weight to a much heavier load.

He turned to a bot for assistance after being unable to run a race.

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

This no-cost application constructed a workout and diet plan personalized to his aims, and created structured routines.

"I work out for about 120 minutes a day and I've seen a real difference," he said.

The Expense Contrast: AI vs. Conventional Training

One recent study in late 2024 analyzed costs for 17 of the largest fitness chains and found the average membership cost was approximately forty pounds a month, for basic memberships.

Prices ranged from a lower price at the most affordable provider to £132 at the most expensive.

Based on industry research, fitness coaches set their own rates, usually a range of thirty to sixty-five pounds per 45-60 minute session in most areas and about £45-£65 in London.

Customers typically use a coach one or two times a week and work with them for a short period, however these agreements are completely flexible.

Dafydd Judd

The Irreplaceable Personal Element

Fitness coach one experienced professional, from Cardiff, acknowledged artificial intelligence can be useful to accelerate results, but believes it will not supplant the human connection and responsibility that live training offers.

The 37-year-old, who has 12 years experience as a coach, focuses on senior clients and recovery from injuries. He said some of his trainees also employ AI.

"In my opinion it's extremely useful, additional information is good," he stated.

"I think the more people are connected digitally the more they'll want human connection because they want the empathy from the comprehension that is absent from a computer," he continued.

Dafydd said Artificial intelligence can educate users and make guidance more efficient.

But, he said real commitment comes when people appear in person for their sessions.

"No matter how helpful as it is at the middle of the night, a digital tool cannot ensure you show up at early morning before work," Dafydd concluded.

In the view of many, he suggested, the gym is a space to leave phones behind and stop being glued to screens.