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A runner

Following a festive period filled with rich foods and relaxation, many people enter the new year aiming 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 used an artificial intelligence application for last-minute preparation for the Cardiff Half Marathon.

The 21-year-old from a town in Wales explained she liked the freedom to pose queries any time of day – something she believed was unavailable with a traditional coach.

Leah used an AI-driven running app that gave her customized schedules with voice guidance and speed targets for her first half marathon in 2024.

She explained she requested it to design a regimen merging running and the weight training, and it generated an 11-week plan customized to her event day and goals.

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

Subsequently, she chose a different tool because it was cheaper and she could ask it questions whenever she wanted. Her result was a full minute quicker than her goal time.

She noted she did not want feeling pressure from a live instructor.

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

Richard Gallimore

Remarkable Strength Improvements

Meanwhile, Richard Gallimore, in his twenties, from Swansea, has been employing artificial intelligence for his exercise and nutrition programs, and said he has achieved peak strength, boosting his chest press from 70kg to a much heavier load.

Richard turned to a AI assistant for assistance after being forced to walk a race.

"I just knew I had to sort myself out," he commented.

The free tool built a fitness and meal program tailored to his goals, and created structured routines.

"I work out for about 120 minutes a day and I've seen a noticeable change," he added.

The Expense Comparison: AI vs. Conventional Coaching

One recent study in late 2024 compared costs for 17 of the biggest fitness chains and found the average membership cost was approximately forty pounds per month, based on basic full-access plans.

Prices started at £23 at the most affordable provider to a premium rate at the highest-priced.

According to industry research, fitness coaches determine their own fees, usually a range of thirty to sixty-five pounds per 45-60 minute session outside London and about a similar range in London.

Clients typically hire a trainer once or twice a week and collaborate for a few months, but these arrangements are often adaptable.

A personal trainer

The Essential Personal Element

Personal trainer Dafydd Judd, based in Cardiff, said AI can be beneficial to accelerate results, but is convinced it will never replace the human connection and accountability that live training provides.

The 37-year-old, who has 12 years experience as a trainer, focuses on older adults and recovery from injuries. He mentioned a number of his trainees also employ AI.

"I think it's extremely useful, more knowledge is positive," he said.

"I believe the more that people are connected digitally the more they'll desire human connection because they want the warmth from the understanding that is missing from a computer," he continued.

Dafydd explained AI can educate users and make coaching more efficient.

However, he said true dedication comes when people show up physically for training.

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

In the view of many, he said, the fitness center is a place to disconnect from devices and take a break from technology.