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A runner

Following a festive period filled with indulgent treats and downtime, many people head into January looking to get their fitness back on track.

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

Personalized Plans and Flexible Timelines

One fitness enthusiast used an AI tool for impromptu training for the a major running event.

This young woman from Aberdare said she liked the freedom to pose queries at all hours – a feature she believed was not possible with a personal trainer.

She used an AI-powered running app that gave her personalised plans with audio coaching and pace setting for her first long-distance race in recent years.

She said she requested it to design a plan merging cardio and the gym, and it generated an multi-week programme tailored to her race date and goals.

The user then adjusted the plan to suit her daily routine, which she described was highly practical.

The following year, she chose a alternative application because it was more affordable and she could consult it whenever she wanted. Her result was a minute faster than her goal time.

She said she did not want feeling pressure from a live instructor.

"Using artificial intelligence you have to find your own drive, which I actually prefer," she added.

Richard Gallimore

Significant Strength Gains

Meanwhile, Richard Gallimore, in his twenties, from Swansea, has been employing artificial intelligence for his exercise and nutrition programs, and reported he has achieved peak strength, increasing his bench press from a lower weight to a much heavier load.

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

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

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

"I work out for about two hours a day and I've seen a noticeable change," he added.

The Expense Comparison: AI vs. Traditional Coaching

One recent study in late 2024 compared costs for numerous of the biggest gym brands and found the average membership cost was around £38 a month, for basic memberships.

Prices ranged from a lower price at the most affordable provider to a premium rate at the most expensive.

According to further data, personal trainers determine their own fees, usually a range of thirty to sixty-five pounds per hour-long session in most areas and about £45-£65 in the capital.

Clients typically hire a coach one or two times a week and collaborate for a short period, but these agreements are often adaptable.

A personal trainer

The Irreplaceable Human Touch

Fitness coach one experienced professional, from Cardiff, said AI can be beneficial to accelerate results, but believes it will not supplant the human connection and responsibility that live training offers.

This expert, who has over a decade of experience as a trainer, specialises in senior clients and recovery from injuries. He mentioned some of his clients also use AI.

"In my opinion it's very valuable, additional information is positive," he stated.

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

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

However, he said true dedication comes when people appear physically for training.

"As useful as it is at the middle of the night, a computer won't keep you accountable at 7am before work," he concluded.

For many, he suggested, the gym is a space to disconnect from devices and take a break from technology.