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Leah Walsh

After a holiday period filled with rich foods and downtime, numerous individuals head into January aiming to get their fitness back on track.

But, could AI be transforming the fitness industry by providing an alternative to human coaches?

Personalized Plans and Adaptable Schedules

Leah Walsh used an artificial intelligence application for impromptu training for the Cardiff Half Marathon.

This young woman from Aberdare explained she liked the freedom to ask it questions any time of day – a feature she believed was unavailable with a traditional coach.

She relied on an AI-powered running app that gave her personalised plans with audio coaching and pace setting for her inaugural long-distance race in 2024.

She explained she asked it to create a plan combining running and the gym, and it produced an 11-week plan tailored to her event day and goals.

The user then adjusted the plan to suit her lifestyle, which she described was convenient.

Subsequently, she opted for a alternative application because it was more affordable and she could ask it questions at any time. Her result was a minute faster than her goal time.

She said she wanted to avoid feeling pressure from a human personal trainer.

"With AI you have to motivate yourself, which I actually prefer," she added.

Richard Gallimore

Remarkable Fitness Gains

Meanwhile, Another individual, 23, based in Swansea, has been employing AI for his fitness and diet plans, and said he has never felt stronger, boosting his bench press from 70kg to 110kg.

Richard resorted to a bot for help after being unable to run a running event.

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

This no-cost application constructed a fitness and meal program personalized to his aims, and established organized workouts.

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

The Cost Contrast: Technology vs. Traditional Coaching

One recent survey in late 2024 analyzed prices for numerous of the largest gym brands and found the average membership cost was approximately forty pounds per month, for basic memberships.

Fees started at a lower price at the most affordable provider to £132 at the most expensive.

According to industry research, fitness coaches set their own rates, usually a range of thirty to sixty-five pounds per 45-60 minute appointment in most areas and about £45-£65 in the capital.

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

A personal trainer

The Irreplaceable Personal Element

Fitness coach one experienced professional, based in the Welsh capital, acknowledged AI can be beneficial to accelerate results, but believes it will never replace the human connection and responsibility that live training provides.

The 37-year-old, who has over a decade of experience as a coach, focuses on older adults and injury rehabilitation. He mentioned some of his clients also use technology.

"I think it's very valuable, additional information is positive," he stated.

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

Dafydd said Artificial intelligence can inform clients and make guidance more efficient.

However, he argued real commitment comes when people appear physically for training.

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

For many, he suggested, the fitness center is a space to leave phones behind and stop being glued to screens.