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Leah Walsh

Following a holiday period filled with rich foods and downtime, many people enter January aiming to regain their fitness momentum.

But, is it possible that AI be changing the fitness industry by offering an alternative to human coaches?

Personalized Programs and Adaptable Timelines

Leah Walsh used an AI tool for last-minute preparation for the a major running event.

This young woman from a town in Wales explained she appreciated the freedom to pose queries any time of day – something she believed was unavailable with a personal trainer.

Leah used an AI-powered running app that provided her personalised plans with voice guidance and pace setting for her inaugural half marathon in 2024.

She explained she asked it to design a plan combining cardio and the gym, and it produced an multi-week programme customized to her race date and goals.

The user then adjusted the schedule to suit her daily routine, which she described was highly practical.

Subsequently, she opted for a alternative application because it was more affordable and she could ask it questions whenever she wanted. She finished a full minute quicker than her goal time.

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.

Richard Gallimore

Significant Fitness Improvements

Meanwhile, Another individual, 23, based in a Welsh city, has been using AI for his exercise and nutrition programs, and said he has never felt stronger, boosting his bench press from 70kg to a much heavier load.

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

"I realized I need to sort myself out," he said.

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

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

The Cost Comparison: AI vs. Traditional Training

One recent survey in the previous year compared costs for 17 of the biggest fitness chains and found the typical monthly fee was approximately forty pounds per month, based on basic full-access plans.

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

According to industry research, 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 trainer one or two times a week and work with them for a short period, however these agreements are often adaptable.

A personal trainer

The Irreplaceable Human Element

Personal trainer Dafydd Judd, from Cardiff, acknowledged AI can be useful to speed up progress, 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 coach, specialises in older adults and injury rehabilitation. He said some of his clients also use technology.

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

"I think the more people are online the more they'll desire personal contact because they want the empathy from the understanding that is absent from a computer," he continued.

Dafydd explained Artificial intelligence can inform users and make coaching more effective.

However, he argued real commitment comes when people show up physically for their sessions.

"As useful as it is at the middle of the night, a computer cannot ensure you show up at early morning before work," Dafydd concluded.

For many, he said, the gym is a space to leave phones behind and stop being glued to screens.