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A runner

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

But, could AI be changing the fitness industry by offering an option to human coaches?

Tailored Plans and Adaptable Timelines

Leah Walsh employed an AI tool for impromptu preparation for the a major running event.

This young woman from Aberdare said she liked the freedom to ask it questions any time of day – a feature she believed was not possible with a traditional coach.

She used an AI-driven fitness application that provided her personalised plans with audio coaching and speed targets for her inaugural long-distance race in recent years.

She explained she requested it to create a regimen merging running and the weight training, and it produced an multi-week programme customized to her event day and objectives.

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

Subsequently, she chose a different tool because it was cheaper and she could consult it whenever she wanted. She finished a full minute quicker than her target finish.

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

"With artificial intelligence you have to motivate yourself, which I quite like," she remarked.

A weightlifter

Significant Strength Improvements

In a similar case, Another individual, 23, based in Swansea, has been employing AI for his fitness and diet plans, and reported he has never felt stronger, boosting his bench press from 70kg to 110kg.

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

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

The free tool constructed a fitness and meal program personalized to his goals, and established organized workouts.

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

The Cost Comparison: Technology vs. Traditional Training

A recent survey in late 2024 analyzed costs for numerous of the biggest gym brands and found the typical monthly fee was approximately forty pounds a month, based on standard full-access plans.

Fees started at £23 at the cheapest provider to £132 at the most expensive.

Based on industry research, fitness coaches set their own rates, typically a range of thirty to sixty-five pounds per 45-60 minute session outside London and about £45-£65 in London.

Clients typically hire a trainer once or twice a week and work with them for a few months, however these arrangements are completely flexible.

Dafydd Judd

The Irreplaceable Personal Element

Fitness coach one experienced professional, from Cardiff, acknowledged artificial intelligence can be useful to accelerate results, but believes it will not supplant the personal interaction and accountability that live training provides.

This expert, who has over a decade of experience as a coach, specialises in older adults and recovery from injuries. He mentioned a number of his clients also employ AI.

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

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

The trainer said Artificial intelligence can educate clients and make guidance more efficient.

But, he said real commitment 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 early morning before work," he added.

For many, he said, the fitness center is a place to disconnect from devices and stop being glued to screens.