🔗 Share this article

Leah Walsh

After a holiday period filled with rich foods and downtime, numerous individuals enter January looking to regain their fitness momentum.

But, is it possible that Artificial Intelligence be transforming the fitness industry by providing an alternative to human coaches?

Personalized Plans and Flexible Schedules

Leah Walsh employed an AI tool for last-minute preparation for the Cardiff Half Marathon.

This young woman hailing 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 traditional coach.

She relied on an AI-powered fitness application that provided her customized schedules with audio coaching and pace setting for her first half marathon in recent years.

She explained she asked it to design a regimen merging running and the weight training, and it produced an 11-week programme customized to her race date and goals.

Leah then adjusted the plan to fit her lifestyle, which she said was highly practical.

Subsequently, 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 target finish.

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 Fitness Improvements

Meanwhile, Richard Gallimore, 23, from Swansea, has been using artificial intelligence for his exercise and nutrition programs, and said he has never felt stronger, increasing his chest press from 70kg to a much heavier load.

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

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

This no-cost application built a workout and diet plan tailored to his aims, and established structured routines.

"I train for about 120 minutes a day and I've seen a noticeable change," he said.

The Expense Comparison: AI vs. Conventional Training

One recent study in late 2024 analyzed costs for 17 of the biggest fitness chains and found the average membership cost was around £38 a month, for basic memberships.

Fees started at a lower price at the most affordable provider to a premium rate at the highest-priced.

According to industry research, personal trainers set their own rates, typically £30-£65 per hour-long appointment outside London and about £45-£65 in the capital.

Customers will often use a coach once or twice a week and work with them for a few months, however these arrangements are completely flexible.

Dafydd Judd

The Essential Human Element

Fitness coach Dafydd Judd, from the Welsh capital, acknowledged AI can be useful to accelerate results, but is convinced it will not supplant the human connection and accountability that live training offers.

The 37-year-old, who has over a decade of experience as a trainer, focuses on senior clients and injury rehabilitation. He said some of his clients also use AI.

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

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

Dafydd said AI can inform clients and make coaching more effective.

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

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

In the view of many, he suggested, the gym is a space to leave phones behind and take a break from technology.