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Leah Walsh

Following a festive period packed with indulgent treats and relaxation, numerous individuals enter January aiming to get their fitness back on track.

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

Tailored Plans and Adaptable Timelines

Leah Walsh used an artificial intelligence application for impromptu training for the a major running event.

This young woman from a town in Wales said she liked the freedom to pose queries any time of day – a feature she felt was not possible with a personal trainer.

Leah relied on an AI-driven fitness application that gave her customized schedules with audio coaching and pace setting for her inaugural half marathon in recent years.

She said she requested it to design a regimen merging cardio and the weight training, and it generated an multi-week programme customized to her event day and objectives.

Leah then tweaked the plan to suit her lifestyle, which she said was highly practical.

Subsequently, she chose a alternative application because it was cheaper and she could consult it at any time. She finished a minute faster than her goal time.

She said she did not want feeling pressure from a human personal trainer.

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

Richard Gallimore

Remarkable Fitness Improvements

Meanwhile, Another individual, in his twenties, 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 110kg.

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

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

The free tool built a fitness and meal program tailored to his aims, and created organized workouts.

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

The Expense Comparison: Technology vs. Conventional Coaching

One recent study in late 2024 compared costs for 17 of the largest fitness chains and found the typical monthly fee was approximately forty pounds a month, based on basic full-access plans.

Fees ranged from a lower price at the most affordable provider to £132 at the highest-priced.

According to industry research, personal trainers determine their own fees, usually £30-£65 per hour-long appointment outside London and about £45-£65 in London.

Clients will often hire a trainer once or twice a week and collaborate for a short period, however these agreements are often adaptable.

A personal trainer

The Irreplaceable Human Element

Fitness coach Dafydd Judd, from the Welsh capital, acknowledged AI can be useful to accelerate results, but is convinced it will not supplant the human connection and responsibility that in-person coaching offers.

This expert, who has 12 years experience as a trainer, focuses on older adults and recovery from injuries. He said a number of his clients also use technology.

"In my opinion it's extremely useful, more knowledge is positive," he said.

"I believe the more that people are connected digitally the more they'll want human connection because they want the empathy from the understanding that is missing from a computer," he continued.

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

However, he argued real commitment comes when people appear in person for their sessions.

"No matter how helpful as it is at the middle of the night, a computer cannot ensure you show up 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.