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Leah Walsh

Following a holiday period packed with indulgent treats and downtime, numerous individuals enter the new year looking to regain their fitness momentum.

But, could AI be transforming the fitness industry by providing an alternative to human coaches?

Tailored Plans and Adaptable Schedules

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

The 21-year-old from a town in Wales said she liked the liberty to ask it questions at all hours – a feature she believed was unavailable with a traditional coach.

She used an AI-driven fitness application that provided her customized schedules with audio coaching and speed targets for her inaugural half marathon in recent years.

She explained she asked it to create a regimen merging running and the gym, and it produced an 11-week programme customized to her race date and goals.

Leah then adjusted the plan to fit her daily routine, which she described was convenient.

Subsequently, she chose a different tool because it was cheaper and she could consult it at any time. Her result was a full minute quicker than her goal time.

She noted she wanted to avoid feeling pressure from a human personal trainer.

"Using AI you have to motivate yourself, which I quite like," she remarked.

Richard Gallimore

Remarkable Fitness Improvements

In a similar case, Richard Gallimore, 23, from Swansea, has been using artificial intelligence for his fitness and diet plans, and said he has never felt stronger, boosting his bench press from 70kg to a much heavier load.

He turned to a bot for assistance after being forced to walk a running event.

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

The free tool built a fitness and meal program tailored to his goals, and created organized workouts.

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

The Cost Comparison: AI vs. Conventional Training

One recent study in late 2024 analyzed prices for numerous of the biggest fitness chains and found the average membership cost was approximately forty pounds per month, based on standard memberships.

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

According to further data, personal trainers set their own rates, typically £30-£65 per hour-long appointment in most areas and about a similar range in London.

Clients will often hire a trainer once or twice a week and collaborate for a short period, however these agreements are completely flexible.

A personal trainer

The Irreplaceable Personal Element

Personal trainer Dafydd Judd, from Cardiff, said artificial intelligence can be useful to accelerate results, but believes it will not supplant the human connection and accountability that in-person coaching offers.

The 37-year-old, who has over a decade of experience as a coach, focuses on older adults and injury rehabilitation. He said a number of his clients also use AI.

"I think it's very valuable, additional information is good," he stated.

"I think the more people are connected digitally the more they'll want human connection because they want the empathy from the comprehension that is absent from a computer," he continued.

Dafydd said AI can educate users and make guidance more efficient.

But, he said real commitment comes when people show up physically for training.

"As useful as it is at 2am, a digital tool cannot ensure you show up at 7am before work," he concluded.

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