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A runner

Following a festive period filled with rich foods and relaxation, numerous individuals enter January looking to regain their fitness momentum.

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

Personalized Plans and Flexible Timelines

Leah Walsh used an AI tool for last-minute training for the Cardiff Half Marathon.

The 21-year-old from a town in Wales said she liked the liberty to pose queries at all hours – something she believed was unavailable with a personal trainer.

Leah used an AI-powered fitness application that gave her customized schedules with audio coaching and pace setting for her first half marathon in recent years.

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

Leah then tweaked the schedule to fit her daily routine, which she said was highly practical.

The following year, she opted for a different tool because it was more affordable and she could consult it whenever she wanted. Her result was a full minute quicker than her target finish.

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

"Using AI you have to motivate yourself, which I quite like," she remarked.

Richard Gallimore

Significant Strength Improvements

In a similar case, Another individual, in his twenties, based in Swansea, has been employing AI for his fitness and diet plans, and reported he has never felt stronger, increasing his bench press from 70kg to 110kg.

Richard turned to a AI assistant for help after being unable to run a race.

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

The free tool constructed a workout and diet plan tailored to his goals, and created organized workouts.

"I work out for about two hours a day and I've seen a real difference," he added.

The Expense Contrast: Technology vs. Conventional Coaching

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

Fees ranged from a lower price at the cheapest chain to £132 at the highest-priced.

According to further data, personal trainers set their own rates, usually £30-£65 per hour-long appointment in most areas and about £45-£65 in the capital.

Customers typically hire a coach one or two times a week and collaborate for a short period, but these arrangements are often adaptable.

Dafydd Judd

The Irreplaceable Personal Touch

Fitness coach Dafydd Judd, from the Welsh capital, acknowledged artificial intelligence can be beneficial to accelerate results, but is convinced it will never replace the human connection and accountability that live training offers.

The 37-year-old, who has 12 years experience as a coach, specialises in senior clients and recovery from injuries. He said some of his trainees also employ technology.

"In my opinion it's very valuable, more knowledge is good," he said.

"I believe the more that people are connected digitally the more they'll desire personal contact because they want the empathy from the comprehension that is absent from a machine," he added.

Dafydd said Artificial intelligence can inform users and make coaching more efficient.

But, he argued real commitment comes when people show up physically for training.

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

In the view of many, he said, the gym is a space to disconnect from devices and stop being glued to screens.