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A runner

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

However, could AI be changing the fitness industry by offering an alternative to human coaches?

Personalized Plans and Adaptable Schedules

One fitness enthusiast employed an AI tool for last-minute training for the Cardiff Half Marathon.

This young woman from a town in Wales explained she appreciated the freedom to ask it questions at all hours – something she felt was unavailable with a personal trainer.

Leah used an AI-driven running app that gave her personalised plans with audio coaching and speed targets for her inaugural half marathon in recent years.

She said she requested it to design a plan merging running and the weight training, and it generated an 11-week plan customized to her event day and goals.

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

The following year, she chose a alternative application because it was cheaper and she could ask it questions whenever she wanted. She finished a minute faster than her target finish.

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

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

Richard Gallimore

Significant Fitness Gains

Meanwhile, Another individual, 23, based in Swansea, has been employing AI for his exercise and nutrition programs, and said he has achieved peak strength, increasing his bench press from a lower weight to 110kg.

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

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

The free tool constructed a workout and diet plan 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 said.

The Cost Comparison: AI vs. Traditional Coaching

A recent survey in late 2024 compared prices for numerous of the biggest fitness chains and found the average membership cost was around £38 a month, based on standard memberships.

Fees started at a lower price at the cheapest provider to a premium rate at the most expensive.

Based on further data, fitness coaches set their own rates, typically £30-£65 per 45-60 minute appointment in most areas and about a similar range in London.

Customers typically use a trainer once or twice a week and collaborate for a short period, but these arrangements are completely flexible.

A personal trainer

The Irreplaceable Personal Touch

Fitness coach Dafydd Judd, from Cardiff, said artificial intelligence can be beneficial to accelerate results, but is convinced it will not supplant the personal interaction and responsibility that live training provides.

This expert, who has 12 years experience as a trainer, specialises in senior clients and injury rehabilitation. He mentioned a number of his trainees also employ AI.

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

"I believe the more that people are online the more they'll want human connection because they crave the warmth from the understanding that is absent from a machine," he continued.

Dafydd explained Artificial intelligence can educate clients and make coaching more efficient.

But, he said real commitment comes when people show up 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," Dafydd concluded.

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