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A runner

Following a festive period filled with rich foods and downtime, many people head into January looking to regain their fitness momentum.

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

Tailored Plans and Flexible Timelines

One fitness enthusiast employed an artificial intelligence application for last-minute training for the Cardiff Half Marathon.

This young woman hailing from Aberdare said she appreciated the liberty to ask it questions any time of day – something she believed was unavailable with a traditional coach.

She used an AI-driven running app that provided her personalised plans with audio coaching and speed targets for her inaugural long-distance race in recent years.

She explained she requested it to design a regimen combining running and the gym, and it produced an multi-week plan customized to her race date and objectives.

Leah then adjusted the plan to fit her lifestyle, which she said was highly practical.

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

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

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

Richard Gallimore

Significant Strength Gains

In a similar case, Richard Gallimore, in his twenties, from Swansea, has been employing artificial intelligence for his fitness and diet plans, and said he has achieved peak strength, increasing his bench press from a lower weight to 110kg.

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

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

The free tool built a workout and diet plan tailored to his aims, and established structured routines.

"I train for about 120 minutes a day and I've seen a real difference," he added.

The Cost Contrast: AI vs. Traditional Training

One recent survey in late 2024 analyzed costs for numerous of the largest gym brands and found the typical monthly fee was approximately forty pounds a month, for basic memberships.

Fees started at £23 at the most affordable provider to a premium rate at the highest-priced.

According to further data, fitness coaches determine their own fees, typically £30-£65 per 45-60 minute session in most areas and about a similar range in London.

Clients typically hire a coach once or twice a week and collaborate for a short period, but these arrangements are often adaptable.

Dafydd Judd

The Irreplaceable Personal Element

Fitness coach one experienced professional, from Cardiff, said artificial intelligence can be useful to accelerate results, but is convinced it will never replace the personal interaction and responsibility that live training provides.

The 37-year-old, who has 12 years experience as a coach, specialises in senior clients and injury rehabilitation. He mentioned a number of his clients also employ AI.

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

"I believe the more that 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 continued.

The trainer said Artificial intelligence can inform clients and make coaching more efficient.

However, he argued true dedication comes when people appear 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," he concluded.

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