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A runner

After a holiday period filled with rich foods and downtime, numerous individuals head into January aiming to get their fitness back on track.

However, is it possible that Artificial Intelligence be transforming the fitness industry by providing an option to human coaches?

Tailored Plans and Flexible Timelines

Leah Walsh employed an AI tool for impromptu preparation for the Cardiff Half Marathon.

This young woman from a town in Wales said she liked the freedom to ask it questions any time of day – something she believed was unavailable with a traditional coach.

She used an AI-driven fitness application that provided her customized schedules with voice guidance and speed targets for her inaugural half marathon in recent years.

She explained she requested it to create a regimen combining running and the gym, and it generated an multi-week plan tailored to her race date and objectives.

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

Subsequently, she chose a alternative application because it was cheaper and she could ask it questions whenever she wanted. She finished a full minute quicker than her target finish.

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

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

Richard Gallimore

Significant Fitness Improvements

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

He turned to a bot for assistance after being unable to run a running event.

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

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

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

The Cost Comparison: Technology vs. Conventional Coaching

One recent study in late 2024 analyzed prices for 17 of the biggest fitness chains and found the average membership cost was around £38 per month, for standard full-access plans.

Prices ranged from £23 at the most affordable provider to £132 at the most expensive.

Based on further data, personal trainers determine their own fees, typically a range of thirty to sixty-five pounds per 45-60 minute session in most areas and about £45-£65 in London.

Customers typically use a coach once or twice a week and work with them for a few months, however these agreements are completely flexible.

Dafydd Judd

The Irreplaceable Human Touch

Fitness coach one experienced professional, based in Cardiff, acknowledged artificial intelligence can be useful to speed up progress, but believes it will never replace the personal interaction and accountability that live training offers.

This expert, who has over a decade of experience as a coach, specialises in older adults and injury rehabilitation. He mentioned a number of his clients also employ technology.

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

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

Dafydd said AI can educate users and make coaching more efficient.

However, he said real commitment comes when people appear physically for their sessions.

"As useful as it is at 2am, a digital tool cannot ensure you show up at early morning before work," he added.

In the view of many, he suggested, the fitness center is a space to leave phones behind and take a break from technology.