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Leah Walsh

After a festive period packed with indulgent treats and relaxation, many people head into January aiming to get their fitness back on track.

But, could AI be changing the fitness industry by offering an alternative to human coaches?

Personalized Plans and Flexible 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 explained she appreciated the freedom to ask it questions at all hours – something she felt was not possible with a personal trainer.

Leah relied on an AI-powered running app that provided her personalised plans with voice guidance and pace setting for her inaugural half marathon in 2024.

She explained she asked it to create a regimen merging cardio and the gym, and it generated an multi-week plan tailored to her event day and goals.

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

Subsequently, she chose a different tool because it was cheaper and she could consult it 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.

"With artificial intelligence you have to motivate yourself, which I quite like," she added.

Richard Gallimore

Remarkable Strength Improvements

Meanwhile, Richard Gallimore, 23, based in Swansea, has been using artificial intelligence for his fitness and diet plans, and said he has never felt stronger, increasing his bench press from 70kg to a much heavier load.

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

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

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

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

The Expense Contrast: AI vs. Conventional Training

A recent study in the previous year compared costs for 17 of the biggest fitness chains and found the typical monthly fee was around £38 per month, for standard memberships.

Prices ranged from a lower price at the cheapest chain to £132 at the most expensive.

According to industry research, personal trainers determine their own fees, usually a range of thirty to sixty-five pounds per 45-60 minute appointment outside London and about £45-£65 in the capital.

Customers will often hire a coach once or twice a week and work with them for a few months, but these agreements are completely flexible.

A personal trainer

The Irreplaceable Human Element

Fitness coach Dafydd Judd, from Cardiff, acknowledged AI can be useful to accelerate results, but is convinced it will not supplant the human connection and responsibility that live training offers.

The 37-year-old, who has 12 years experience as a coach, specialises in older adults and injury rehabilitation. He mentioned a number of his clients also employ technology.

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

"I believe the more that people are online the more they'll desire personal contact because they want the empathy from the understanding that is absent from a machine," he added.

Dafydd said Artificial intelligence can educate users and make guidance more efficient.

But, he said true dedication comes when people show up physically for training.

"No matter how helpful as it is at the middle of the night, a digital tool cannot ensure you show up at early morning before work," Dafydd concluded.

For many, he said, the gym is a space to disconnect from devices and take a break from technology.