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Leah Walsh

Following a holiday period packed with indulgent treats and relaxation, many people head into the new year aiming to regain their fitness momentum.

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

Personalized Programs and Adaptable Schedules

Leah Walsh employed an artificial intelligence application for impromptu preparation for the Cardiff Half Marathon.

This young woman hailing from a town in Wales said she liked the liberty to ask it questions at all hours – a feature she felt was unavailable with a traditional coach.

Leah relied on an AI-powered running app that gave her customized schedules with audio coaching and speed targets for her first half marathon in 2024.

She explained she requested it to create a plan merging cardio and the weight training, and it produced an multi-week plan tailored to her race date and goals.

The user then adjusted the plan to suit her lifestyle, which she said was highly practical.

Subsequently, she chose a alternative application because it was more affordable 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 feeling pressure from a live instructor.

"With AI you have to motivate yourself, which I actually prefer," she added.

A weightlifter

Significant Fitness Gains

In a similar case, Richard Gallimore, 23, based in a Welsh city, has been using AI for his fitness and diet plans, and said he has achieved peak strength, increasing his chest press from 70kg to a much heavier load.

He turned to a bot for assistance after being unable to run a running event.

"I realized I need to get myself in shape," he said.

The free tool built a workout and diet plan personalized to his aims, and established organized workouts.

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

The Expense Contrast: AI vs. Conventional Coaching

One recent survey in late 2024 compared costs for numerous of the largest fitness chains and found the typical monthly fee was approximately forty pounds a month, based on basic memberships.

Fees ranged from £23 at the cheapest provider to £132 at the highest-priced.

According to industry research, personal trainers set their own rates, typically £30-£65 per hour-long session outside London and about a similar range in London.

Clients will often hire a coach once or twice a week and work with them for a short period, but these arrangements are completely flexible.

Dafydd Judd

The Essential Human Element

Personal trainer one experienced professional, based in the Welsh capital, acknowledged artificial intelligence can be beneficial to accelerate results, but is convinced it will not supplant the human connection and responsibility that in-person coaching provides.

This expert, who has over a decade of experience as a coach, focuses on senior clients and injury rehabilitation. He mentioned some of his clients also employ technology.

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

"I believe the more people are connected digitally the more they'll desire human connection because they crave the empathy from the comprehension that is missing from a machine," he added.

Dafydd explained AI can inform clients and make guidance more effective.

However, he said real commitment comes when people show up in person for training.

"As useful as it is at the middle of the night, a digital tool cannot ensure you show up at 7am before work," Dafydd added.

For many, he said, the fitness center is a space to leave phones behind and take a break from technology.