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A runner

Following a festive period filled with rich foods and downtime, many people enter the new year looking to get their fitness back on track.

However, is it possible that Artificial Intelligence be changing the fitness industry by offering an alternative to human coaches?

Tailored Plans and Flexible Schedules

One fitness enthusiast employed an AI tool for last-minute preparation for the Cardiff Half Marathon.

This young woman from a town in Wales explained she appreciated the liberty to ask it questions any time of day – a feature she believed was unavailable with a traditional coach.

Leah used an AI-powered fitness application that provided her personalised plans with audio coaching and pace setting for her first half marathon in 2024.

She said she requested it to design a plan combining running and the weight training, and it generated an 11-week programme tailored to her race date and goals.

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

Subsequently, she opted for a alternative application because it was more affordable and she could ask it questions whenever she wanted. Her result was a minute faster than her target finish.

She said she did not want the pressure from a human personal trainer.

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

Richard Gallimore

Significant Fitness Improvements

In a similar case, Richard Gallimore, in his twenties, based in a Welsh city, has been employing artificial intelligence for his exercise and nutrition programs, and reported he has achieved peak strength, boosting his bench press from 70kg to a much heavier load.

He turned to a AI assistant for help after being unable to run a running event.

"I just knew I need to sort myself out," he said.

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

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

The Expense Comparison: Technology vs. Conventional Coaching

A recent survey in late 2024 compared costs for numerous of the largest fitness chains and found the typical monthly fee was around £38 per month, based on basic full-access plans.

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

According to further data, fitness coaches determine their own fees, usually a range of thirty to sixty-five pounds per hour-long appointment outside London and about £45-£65 in London.

Customers typically hire a coach one or two times a week and work with them for a few months, but these agreements are often adaptable.

Dafydd Judd

The Irreplaceable Personal Touch

Fitness coach Dafydd Judd, based in Cardiff, acknowledged AI can be beneficial to accelerate results, but is convinced it will not supplant the personal interaction and responsibility that in-person coaching offers.

The 37-year-old, who has over a decade of experience as a trainer, specialises in older adults and injury rehabilitation. He mentioned some of his clients also use AI.

"In my opinion it's extremely useful, additional information is good," he stated.

"I think the more that people are connected digitally the more they'll want human connection because they want the empathy from the understanding that is missing from a machine," he added.

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

But, he said real commitment comes when people show up physically for their sessions.

"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 concluded.

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