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Leah Walsh

Following a holiday period filled with indulgent treats and downtime, many people enter the new year aiming to regain their fitness momentum.

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

Personalized Programs and Flexible Schedules

One fitness enthusiast used an AI tool for impromptu training for the a major running event.

This young woman from Aberdare explained she appreciated the liberty to pose queries at all hours – a feature she felt was unavailable with a traditional coach.

She used an AI-powered running app that provided her personalised plans with voice guidance and pace setting for her first long-distance race in recent years.

She said she asked it to create a regimen combining running and the weight training, and it generated an 11-week programme tailored to her race date and objectives.

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

Subsequently, she chose a alternative application because it was cheaper and she could consult it whenever she wanted. Her result was a minute faster than her goal time.

She noted she wanted to avoid the pressure from a live instructor.

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

Richard Gallimore

Significant Fitness Improvements

In a similar case, Richard Gallimore, 23, based in a Welsh city, has been employing artificial intelligence for his exercise and nutrition programs, and reported he has achieved peak strength, increasing his bench press from 70kg to 110kg.

He turned to a bot for assistance after being unable to run a running event.

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

This no-cost application constructed a fitness and meal program personalized to his aims, and created organized workouts.

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

The Expense Comparison: Technology vs. Conventional Coaching

One recent survey in late 2024 analyzed prices for 17 of the biggest gym brands and found the average membership cost was around £38 a month, for basic memberships.

Fees ranged from £23 at the most affordable chain to a premium rate at the highest-priced.

According to further data, personal trainers determine their own fees, typically £30-£65 per 45-60 minute appointment outside London and about £45-£65 in London.

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

A personal trainer

The Essential Personal Element

Personal trainer one experienced professional, from Cardiff, said AI can be beneficial to speed up progress, but believes it will never replace the human connection and responsibility that live training provides.

The 37-year-old, who has 12 years experience as a trainer, focuses on senior clients and injury rehabilitation. He mentioned some of his trainees also employ AI.

"I think it's very valuable, additional information is good," he said.

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

The trainer said AI can educate clients and make guidance more efficient.

However, he argued true dedication comes when people appear physically for training.

"As useful as it is at the middle of the night, a computer cannot ensure you show up at 7am before work," Dafydd concluded.

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