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Leah Walsh

After a holiday period packed with indulgent treats and downtime, numerous individuals head into the new year looking to regain their fitness momentum.

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

Tailored Plans and Adaptable Timelines

One fitness enthusiast used an AI tool for last-minute preparation for the a major running event.

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

She relied on an AI-powered running app that gave her personalised plans with audio coaching and pace setting for her inaugural half marathon in recent years.

She said she asked it to design a plan merging cardio and the weight training, and it generated an multi-week plan tailored to her event day and objectives.

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

The following year, she chose a alternative application because it was cheaper and she could ask it questions at any time. Her result was a minute faster than her target finish.

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

"Using artificial intelligence you have to find your own drive, which I quite like," she remarked.

A weightlifter

Remarkable Strength Gains

In a similar case, Another individual, 23, based in Swansea, has been using AI for his exercise and nutrition programs, 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 help after being forced to walk a race.

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

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

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

The Cost Contrast: Technology vs. Traditional Coaching

A recent survey in late 2024 compared costs for 17 of the biggest fitness chains and found the typical monthly fee was around £38 a month, based on basic memberships.

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

Based on further data, fitness coaches determine their own fees, typically a range of thirty to sixty-five pounds per 45-60 minute session outside London and about £45-£65 in the capital.

Clients will often hire a coach once or twice a week and collaborate for a short period, but these agreements are completely flexible.

A personal trainer

The Essential Personal Touch

Personal trainer Dafydd Judd, from the Welsh capital, said AI can be beneficial to speed up progress, but is convinced it will not supplant the personal interaction and responsibility that in-person coaching provides.

The 37-year-old, who has 12 years experience as a trainer, specialises in older adults and recovery from injuries. He mentioned a number of his clients also employ technology.

"I think it's very valuable, more knowledge is good," he stated.

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

The trainer said AI can educate users and make guidance more efficient.

But, he said true dedication comes when people show up physically for their sessions.

"No matter how helpful as it is at 2am, a computer won't keep you accountable at early morning before work," Dafydd concluded.

For many, he said, the gym is a place to disconnect from devices and take a break from technology.