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Leah Walsh

After a holiday period filled with rich foods and relaxation, numerous individuals enter January looking to get their fitness back on track.

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

Tailored Plans and Adaptable Schedules

One fitness enthusiast used an artificial intelligence application for impromptu preparation for the a major running event.

The 21-year-old from a town in Wales explained she appreciated the freedom to pose queries at all hours – a feature she felt was not possible with a personal trainer.

Leah relied on an AI-powered fitness application that gave her customized schedules with voice guidance and speed targets for her inaugural long-distance race in 2024.

She said she asked it to design a regimen combining running and the gym, and it produced an multi-week programme customized to her event day and objectives.

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

Subsequently, she chose a different tool because it was more affordable and she could ask it questions at any time. 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 quite like," she added.

Richard Gallimore

Remarkable Strength Gains

In a similar case, Another individual, in his twenties, from a Welsh city, has been using artificial intelligence for his fitness and diet plans, and said he has achieved peak strength, boosting his chest press from a lower weight to a much heavier load.

Richard turned to a AI assistant for help after being forced to walk a race.

"I just knew I had to sort myself out," he commented.

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

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

The Cost Comparison: AI vs. Traditional Coaching

A recent study in late 2024 compared prices for 17 of the largest fitness chains and found the average membership cost was around £38 a month, based on basic memberships.

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

Based on industry research, fitness coaches determine their own fees, usually a range of thirty to sixty-five pounds per 45-60 minute appointment outside London and about a similar range in London.

Clients typically use a coach once or twice a week and work with them for a few months, but these arrangements are completely flexible.

A personal trainer

The Irreplaceable Personal Touch

Fitness coach one experienced professional, based in Cardiff, acknowledged AI can be useful to speed up progress, but is convinced it will not supplant 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 older adults and recovery from injuries. He mentioned some of his clients also employ technology.

"I think it's very valuable, additional information is good," he said.

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

The trainer explained AI can inform users and make coaching more effective.

But, he argued true dedication comes when people appear physically for training.

"No matter how helpful as it is at the middle of the night, a computer won't keep you accountable at 7am before work," he concluded.

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