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Leah Walsh

After a festive period packed with rich foods and relaxation, numerous individuals head into January aiming to get their fitness back on track.

However, could Artificial Intelligence be transforming the fitness industry by offering an option to human coaches?

Tailored Plans and Flexible Timelines

Leah Walsh used an artificial intelligence application for impromptu preparation for the Cardiff Half Marathon.

The 21-year-old hailing from a town in Wales explained she liked the liberty to ask it questions any time of day – a feature she felt was unavailable with a personal trainer.

She relied on an AI-driven running app that provided her customized schedules with audio coaching and pace setting for her inaugural half marathon in 2024.

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

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

Subsequently, she chose 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 noted she wanted to avoid the pressure from a human personal trainer.

"With AI you have to motivate yourself, which I actually prefer," she remarked.

Richard Gallimore

Remarkable Fitness Gains

In a similar case, Another individual, in his twenties, based in Swansea, has been using artificial intelligence for his fitness and diet plans, and reported he has never felt stronger, increasing his chest press from a lower weight to 110kg.

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

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

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

"I train for about two hours a day and I've seen a noticeable change," he said.

The Cost Comparison: Technology vs. Traditional Training

One recent study in late 2024 compared costs for numerous of the largest gym brands and found the typical monthly fee was approximately forty pounds a month, based on standard memberships.

Prices ranged from a lower price at the most affordable chain to a premium rate at the highest-priced.

According to industry research, fitness coaches determine their own fees, usually a range of thirty to sixty-five pounds per hour-long appointment outside London and about a similar range in the capital.

Clients will often use a trainer one or two times a week and work with them for a short period, however these arrangements are often adaptable.

A personal trainer

The Essential Personal Touch

Fitness coach Dafydd Judd, based in the Welsh capital, acknowledged AI can be useful to accelerate results, but is convinced it will not supplant the personal interaction and accountability that in-person coaching offers.

This expert, who has 12 years experience as a coach, focuses on senior clients and injury rehabilitation. He said some of his clients also use technology.

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

"I believe the more that people are online the more they'll want personal contact because they crave the empathy from the comprehension that is absent from a computer," he continued.

Dafydd explained AI can inform users and make guidance more effective.

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

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

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