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Leah Walsh

After a festive period packed with rich foods and relaxation, many people head into the new year looking to regain their fitness momentum.

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

Personalized Plans and Adaptable Schedules

One fitness enthusiast employed an artificial intelligence application for last-minute training for the a major running event.

This young woman from a town in Wales explained she liked the freedom to ask it questions any time of day – a feature she felt was unavailable with a personal trainer.

She used an AI-driven fitness application that provided her customized schedules with audio coaching and speed targets for her inaugural long-distance race in 2024.

She said she asked it to create a plan combining cardio and the weight training, and it generated an 11-week plan customized to her race date and goals.

The user then tweaked the plan to fit her lifestyle, which she said was convenient.

Subsequently, she chose a different tool because it was cheaper and she could ask it questions at any time. Her result was a minute faster than her target finish.

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

"With AI you have to motivate yourself, which I quite like," she remarked.

A weightlifter

Significant Strength Improvements

In a similar case, Richard Gallimore, 23, based in a Welsh city, has been employing artificial intelligence for his fitness and diet plans, and said he has achieved peak strength, boosting his bench press from a lower weight to a much heavier load.

He resorted to a bot for help after being forced to walk a running event.

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

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

"I work out for about two hours a day and I've seen a noticeable change," he added.

The Expense Contrast: Technology vs. Traditional Coaching

A recent survey in late 2024 compared prices for 17 of the biggest gym brands and found the typical monthly fee was around £38 a month, based on basic full-access plans.

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

Based on industry research, personal trainers set their own rates, usually a range of thirty to sixty-five pounds per 45-60 minute session outside London and about £45-£65 in London.

Customers will often hire a coach once or twice a week and work with them for a short period, however these arrangements are often adaptable.

A personal trainer

The Essential Personal Touch

Fitness coach Dafydd Judd, based in the Welsh capital, said artificial intelligence can be beneficial to accelerate results, but believes it will never replace the human connection and accountability that live training provides.

This expert, who has 12 years experience as a coach, specialises in senior clients and recovery from injuries. He said a number of his trainees also employ technology.

"I think it's very valuable, more knowledge is positive," he stated.

"I think the more people are online the more they'll desire personal contact because they crave the warmth from the comprehension that is missing from a computer," he added.

The trainer explained AI can educate clients and make coaching more efficient.

However, he said true dedication comes when people show up in person for their sessions.

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

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