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Leah Walsh

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

However, could AI be transforming the fitness industry by offering an alternative to human coaches?

Personalized Plans and Adaptable Timelines

One fitness enthusiast employed an AI tool for last-minute training for the Cardiff Half Marathon.

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

Leah relied on an AI-powered fitness application that gave her customized schedules with voice guidance and speed targets for her first half marathon in 2024.

She said she requested it to design a plan combining cardio and the gym, and it produced an multi-week plan customized to her race date and goals.

Leah then adjusted the plan to fit her daily routine, which she said was highly practical.

The following year, she opted for a alternative application because it was more affordable and she could consult it at any time. Her result was a minute faster than her target finish.

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

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

Richard Gallimore

Remarkable Strength Improvements

In a similar case, Richard Gallimore, 23, from a Welsh city, has been employing artificial intelligence for his exercise and nutrition programs, and reported he has achieved peak strength, boosting his chest press from a lower weight to 110kg.

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

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

This no-cost application constructed a fitness and meal program personalized to his aims, and created structured routines.

"I train for about 120 minutes a day and I've seen a noticeable change," he said.

The Cost Contrast: AI vs. Traditional Training

A recent study in late 2024 analyzed prices for 17 of the largest gym brands and found the average membership cost was around £38 per month, based on standard full-access plans.

Fees ranged from £23 at the cheapest chain to £132 at the most expensive.

According to further data, personal trainers set their own rates, typically £30-£65 per hour-long session outside London and about £45-£65 in the capital.

Clients will often use a trainer once or twice a week and work with them for a few months, but these arrangements are often adaptable.

A personal trainer

The Essential Personal Element

Fitness coach Dafydd Judd, based in the Welsh capital, acknowledged artificial intelligence can be useful to speed up progress, but believes it will not supplant the personal interaction and responsibility that in-person coaching provides.

The 37-year-old, who has 12 years experience as a trainer, focuses on older adults and recovery from injuries. He said some of his trainees also employ technology.

"In my opinion it's very valuable, additional information is good," he said.

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

Dafydd said AI can educate clients and make coaching more effective.

But, 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 computer won't keep you accountable at 7am before work," he concluded.

For many, he said, the gym is a space to leave phones behind and stop being glued to screens.