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Leah Walsh

Following a festive period packed with rich foods and relaxation, many people head into January aiming to regain their fitness momentum.

But, could Artificial Intelligence be transforming the fitness industry by providing an alternative to human coaches?

Personalized Programs and Adaptable Timelines

One fitness enthusiast employed an artificial intelligence application for last-minute training for the Cardiff Half Marathon.

The 21-year-old hailing from Aberdare said she appreciated the freedom to pose queries any time of day – a feature she felt was unavailable with a traditional coach.

She relied on an AI-powered running app that provided her customized schedules with audio coaching and pace setting for her inaugural half marathon in recent years.

She explained she requested it to design a plan merging running and the gym, and it produced an multi-week plan tailored to her race date and objectives.

Leah then tweaked the schedule to suit her daily routine, which she said was convenient.

The following year, she chose a different tool because it was cheaper and she could ask it questions at any time. She finished a minute faster than her goal time.

She said she wanted to avoid feeling pressure from a human personal trainer.

"Using artificial intelligence you have to motivate yourself, which I quite like," she remarked.

A weightlifter

Significant Fitness Gains

In a similar case, Richard Gallimore, 23, based in Swansea, has been employing artificial intelligence for his exercise and nutrition programs, and reported he has achieved peak strength, boosting his bench press from 70kg to a much heavier load.

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

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

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

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

The Cost Comparison: AI vs. Conventional Training

A recent study in late 2024 analyzed prices for 17 of the biggest fitness chains and found the average membership cost was approximately forty pounds a month, based on standard full-access plans.

Prices ranged from £23 at the cheapest provider to a premium rate at the highest-priced.

According to further data, fitness coaches determine their own fees, typically £30-£65 per hour-long session in most areas and about £45-£65 in the capital.

Customers will often use a coach once or twice a week and collaborate for a short period, however these arrangements are completely flexible.

Dafydd Judd

The Essential Human Touch

Personal trainer Dafydd Judd, from Cardiff, said artificial intelligence can be useful to speed up progress, but believes it will not supplant the human connection and responsibility that live training offers.

This expert, who has 12 years experience as a coach, focuses on older adults and injury rehabilitation. He mentioned some of his clients also employ AI.

"In my opinion it's very valuable, more knowledge is good," he stated.

"I think 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 computer," he continued.

Dafydd said AI can inform clients and make guidance more efficient.

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

"No matter how helpful as it is at the middle of the night, a computer cannot ensure you show up at 7am before work," Dafydd added.

For many, he suggested, the fitness center is a space to disconnect from devices and take a break from technology.