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Leah Walsh

Following a festive period packed with rich foods and downtime, many people enter January looking to get their fitness back on track.

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

Tailored Programs and Flexible Schedules

Leah Walsh used an AI tool for last-minute training for the a major running event.

This young woman hailing from a town in Wales explained she liked the freedom to pose queries any time of day – a feature she believed was unavailable with a personal trainer.

She used an AI-powered running app that gave her customized schedules with audio coaching and speed targets for her first long-distance race in 2024.

She said she asked it to design a regimen merging running and the weight training, and it generated an 11-week plan customized to her race date and goals.

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

The following year, she chose a different tool because it was cheaper and she could consult it whenever she wanted. Her result was a minute faster than her goal time.

She noted she wanted to avoid feeling pressure from a live instructor.

"Using AI you have to find your own drive, which I actually prefer," she remarked.

Richard Gallimore

Remarkable Strength Gains

In a similar case, Richard Gallimore, in his twenties, from a Welsh city, has been using AI for his fitness and diet plans, and reported he has never felt stronger, increasing his chest press from a lower weight to 110kg.

Richard resorted to a bot for assistance after being forced to walk a running event.

"I realized I need to sort myself out," he commented.

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

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

The Cost Contrast: AI vs. Conventional Coaching

A recent study in late 2024 analyzed costs for numerous of the largest fitness chains and found the typical monthly fee was approximately forty pounds per month, based on basic full-access plans.

Prices started at a lower price at the most affordable provider to £132 at the most expensive.

According to industry research, fitness coaches set their own rates, usually £30-£65 per hour-long session in most areas and about a similar range in the capital.

Customers typically hire a coach once or twice a week and work with them for a few months, however these arrangements are often adaptable.

A personal trainer

The Irreplaceable Human Element

Personal trainer one experienced professional, based in the Welsh capital, said AI can be beneficial to speed up progress, but believes it will never replace the personal interaction and responsibility that in-person coaching provides.

The 37-year-old, 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.

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

"I think the more people are connected digitally the more they'll desire personal contact because they want the empathy from the understanding that is absent from a machine," he added.

Dafydd explained Artificial intelligence can inform clients and make guidance more efficient.

However, he said real commitment comes when people show up 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," Dafydd concluded.

In the view of many, he suggested, the fitness center is a place to disconnect from devices and stop being glued to screens.