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A runner

Following a festive period filled with rich foods and relaxation, many people head into the new year aiming to get their fitness back on track.

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

Tailored Plans and Flexible Schedules

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

This young woman from Aberdare explained she liked the liberty to pose queries at all hours – a feature she believed was unavailable with a personal trainer.

She used an AI-powered running app that gave her personalised plans with audio coaching and speed targets for her first half marathon in 2024.

She said she requested it to design a regimen combining cardio and the weight training, and it generated an 11-week plan tailored to her event day and objectives.

The user then tweaked the plan to fit her daily routine, which she described was highly practical.

Subsequently, she opted for a different tool because it was more affordable and she could ask it questions at any time. She finished a minute faster than her target finish.

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

"With artificial intelligence you have to motivate yourself, which I quite like," she added.

Richard Gallimore

Remarkable Fitness Improvements

In a similar case, Another individual, in his twenties, based in Swansea, has been using artificial intelligence for his exercise and nutrition programs, and said he has achieved peak strength, increasing his chest press from 70kg to a much heavier load.

He turned to a bot for assistance after being forced to walk a race.

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

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

"I work out for about 120 minutes a day and I've seen a real difference," he said.

The Cost Comparison: Technology vs. Traditional Coaching

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

Prices started at a lower price at the cheapest provider to £132 at the most expensive.

According to further data, personal trainers set their own rates, typically £30-£65 per hour-long appointment outside London and about a similar range in London.

Clients will often hire a trainer one or two times a week and collaborate for a few months, however these arrangements are completely flexible.

A personal trainer

The Irreplaceable Human Element

Fitness coach one experienced professional, based in Cardiff, said artificial intelligence can be useful to speed up progress, but believes it will not supplant the personal interaction and accountability that in-person coaching offers.

This expert, who has over a decade of experience as a trainer, specialises in older adults and recovery from injuries. He said a number of his trainees also use AI.

"In my opinion it's extremely useful, more knowledge is good," he said.

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

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

However, he argued true dedication comes when people show up in person for training.

"No matter how helpful as it is at the middle of the night, a digital tool cannot ensure you show up at 7am before work," Dafydd added.

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