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Leah Walsh

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

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

Personalized Programs and Flexible Schedules

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

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

Leah relied on an AI-powered running app that gave her personalised plans with audio coaching and pace setting for her inaugural half marathon in 2024.

She said she requested it to create a plan merging cardio and the weight training, and it produced an 11-week programme tailored to her race date and goals.

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

Subsequently, she chose a alternative application because it was more affordable and she could consult it at any time. She finished a full minute quicker than her goal time.

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

"With artificial intelligence you have to find your own drive, which I actually prefer," she added.

A weightlifter

Significant Fitness Gains

In a similar case, Richard Gallimore, in his twenties, from Swansea, has been employing artificial intelligence for his exercise and nutrition programs, and reported he has achieved peak strength, increasing his chest press from a lower weight to a much heavier load.

He resorted to a bot for help after being forced to walk a race.

"I realized I had to sort myself out," he said.

This no-cost application built a workout and diet plan personalized to his aims, and established organized workouts.

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

The Cost Contrast: Technology vs. Conventional Coaching

A recent survey in late 2024 compared costs for 17 of the biggest fitness chains and found the average membership cost was approximately forty pounds per month, based on standard memberships.

Prices ranged from a lower price at the cheapest provider to a premium rate at the most expensive.

According to industry research, fitness coaches set their own rates, typically £30-£65 per hour-long appointment in most areas and about £45-£65 in London.

Clients will often hire a trainer one or two times a week and collaborate for a few months, however these arrangements are often adaptable.

A personal trainer

The Essential Human Touch

Fitness coach one experienced professional, from Cardiff, acknowledged AI can be beneficial to speed up progress, but believes 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 some of his clients also use AI.

"I think it's extremely useful, additional information is good," he stated.

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

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

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

"No matter how helpful as it is at 2am, a computer won't keep you accountable at 7am before work," Dafydd added.

For many, he suggested, the fitness center is a place to leave phones behind and stop being glued to screens.