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Leah Walsh

After a holiday period filled with rich foods and relaxation, many people head into the new year looking to get their fitness back on track.

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

Tailored Plans and Adaptable Schedules

Leah Walsh used an artificial intelligence application for impromptu preparation for the a major running event.

This young woman from Aberdare explained she appreciated the liberty to pose queries any time of day – something she felt was unavailable with a traditional coach.

Leah used an AI-powered fitness application that gave her customized schedules with voice guidance and pace setting for her inaugural long-distance race in recent years.

She said she asked it to create a regimen combining cardio and the weight training, and it produced an 11-week programme tailored to her event day and goals.

Leah then tweaked the schedule to fit her lifestyle, which she described was highly practical.

The following year, she opted for a different tool because it was cheaper and she could ask it questions at any time. She finished a full minute quicker than her goal time.

She said 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

Significant Strength Improvements

In a similar case, Another individual, in his twenties, based in Swansea, has been employing artificial intelligence for his fitness and diet plans, and said he has never felt stronger, boosting his bench press from a lower weight to a much heavier load.

He turned to a AI assistant for assistance after being forced to walk a race.

"I just knew I need to get myself in shape," he commented.

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

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

The Cost Comparison: Technology vs. Traditional Coaching

A recent survey in late 2024 analyzed costs for 17 of the biggest gym brands and found the typical monthly fee was approximately forty pounds a month, for basic memberships.

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

Based on industry research, personal trainers set their own rates, usually a range of thirty to sixty-five pounds per 45-60 minute session outside London and about a similar range in the capital.

Clients will often use a trainer once or twice a week and collaborate for a short period, but these arrangements are often adaptable.

Dafydd Judd

The Irreplaceable Human Element

Personal trainer Dafydd Judd, from Cardiff, acknowledged AI can be beneficial to accelerate results, but believes it will not supplant the personal interaction and responsibility that live training offers.

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

"I think it's extremely useful, more knowledge is positive," he said.

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

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

However, he argued real commitment comes when people appear physically for their sessions.

"No matter how helpful as it is at 2am, a digital tool cannot ensure you show up at 7am before work," Dafydd concluded.

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