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Leah Walsh

After a festive period packed with indulgent treats and relaxation, numerous individuals head into January looking to regain their fitness momentum.

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

Personalized Programs and Adaptable Schedules

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

This young woman hailing from a town in Wales said she appreciated the liberty to ask it questions at all hours – something she felt was unavailable with a traditional coach.

Leah used an AI-powered fitness application that gave her personalised plans with audio coaching and speed targets for her inaugural long-distance race in recent years.

She said she asked it to design a plan merging running and the weight training, and it generated an 11-week programme customized to her event day and objectives.

The user then adjusted the schedule to fit her daily routine, which she said was highly practical.

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

She said she wanted to avoid the pressure from a live instructor.

"Using artificial intelligence you have to find your own drive, which I quite like," she added.

Richard Gallimore

Remarkable Fitness Improvements

In a similar case, Richard Gallimore, in his twenties, based in a Welsh city, has been employing artificial intelligence for his exercise and nutrition programs, and said he has achieved peak strength, boosting his chest press from a lower weight to 110kg.

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

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

The free tool built a workout and diet plan tailored to his goals, and established structured routines.

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

The Expense Comparison: AI vs. Conventional Coaching

A recent survey in late 2024 compared prices for 17 of the largest gym brands and found the average membership cost was approximately forty pounds a month, for basic memberships.

Fees ranged from £23 at the cheapest chain to a premium rate at the most expensive.

Based on industry research, fitness coaches set their own rates, usually £30-£65 per 45-60 minute session in most areas and about a similar range in the capital.

Clients will often use a coach once or twice a week and collaborate for a few months, but these arrangements are completely flexible.

A personal trainer

The Essential Human Touch

Fitness coach one experienced professional, based in the Welsh capital, said artificial intelligence can be beneficial to speed up progress, but believes it will not supplant the human connection and accountability that in-person coaching provides.

The 37-year-old, who has 12 years experience as a coach, focuses on older adults and recovery from injuries. He said a number of his trainees also use AI.

"I think it's extremely useful, additional information is positive," he said.

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

The trainer said Artificial intelligence can inform clients and make coaching more efficient.

However, he said true dedication comes when people appear physically for their sessions.

"No matter how helpful as it is at 2am, a computer cannot ensure you show up at 7am before work," Dafydd concluded.

For many, he said, the fitness center is a space to leave phones behind and take a break from technology.