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Leah Walsh

Following a holiday period filled with indulgent treats and downtime, many people enter January looking to regain their fitness momentum.

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

Personalized Plans and Flexible Schedules

One fitness enthusiast employed an artificial intelligence application for impromptu training for the a major running event.

This young woman hailing from a town in Wales said she liked the freedom to pose queries at all hours – something she felt was not possible with a personal trainer.

She used an AI-driven fitness application that gave her personalised plans with audio coaching and speed targets for her first long-distance race in recent years.

She explained she asked it to create a plan combining cardio and the weight training, and it produced an 11-week plan tailored to her race date and objectives.

Leah then tweaked the plan to suit her daily routine, which she described was convenient.

The following year, she chose a different tool because it was more affordable and she could consult it at any time. Her result was a minute faster than her target finish.

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

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

Richard Gallimore

Significant Fitness Improvements

Meanwhile, Another individual, 23, from Swansea, has been employing AI for his fitness and diet plans, and said he has never felt stronger, boosting his bench press from 70kg to 110kg.

He resorted to a bot for help after being unable to run a race.

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

This no-cost application built a fitness and meal program personalized to his goals, and established organized workouts.

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

The Cost Comparison: Technology vs. Traditional Training

One recent study in late 2024 analyzed costs for numerous of the largest fitness chains and found the typical monthly fee was around £38 a month, for standard memberships.

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

Based on industry research, fitness coaches 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 coach one or two times a week and work with them for a short period, however these arrangements are completely flexible.

Dafydd Judd

The Irreplaceable Human Element

Fitness coach one experienced professional, based in Cardiff, acknowledged AI can be useful to accelerate results, but is convinced it will never replace the human connection and accountability that in-person coaching offers.

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 trainees also use AI.

"I think it's very valuable, more knowledge is positive," he said.

"I think the more people are online the more they'll want human connection because they crave the empathy from the comprehension that is missing from a computer," he added.

Dafydd explained Artificial intelligence can inform users and make guidance more efficient.

But, he said true dedication comes when people appear in person for their sessions.

"No matter how helpful as it is at 2am, a digital tool won't keep you accountable at early morning before work," he added.

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