🔗 Share this article

A runner

Following a festive period filled with indulgent treats and relaxation, numerous individuals head into January aiming to get their fitness back on track.

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

Tailored Programs and Flexible Schedules

Leah Walsh used an AI tool for last-minute preparation for the Cardiff Half Marathon.

The 21-year-old hailing from a town in Wales said she appreciated the freedom to ask it questions at all hours – something she felt was unavailable with a personal trainer.

She relied on an AI-driven running app that provided her customized schedules with voice guidance and pace setting for her inaugural long-distance race in recent years.

She said she requested it to design a regimen merging cardio and the gym, and it generated an 11-week programme tailored to her race date and goals.

The user then adjusted the plan to fit her daily routine, which she described was convenient.

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

She noted she did not want feeling pressure from a live instructor.

"With AI you have to find your own drive, which I quite like," she remarked.

Richard Gallimore

Remarkable Strength Gains

Meanwhile, Richard Gallimore, in his twenties, from a Welsh city, has been using AI for his exercise and nutrition programs, and said he has achieved peak strength, boosting his chest press from 70kg to a much heavier load.

Richard turned to a AI assistant for help after being unable to run 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 created structured routines.

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

The Cost Comparison: AI vs. Conventional Training

A recent study in late 2024 analyzed prices for numerous of the largest gym brands and found the average membership cost was around £38 per month, for basic full-access plans.

Prices ranged from £23 at the cheapest chain to £132 at the most expensive.

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

Customers will often hire a trainer one or two times a week and work with them for a few months, however these agreements are completely flexible.

Dafydd Judd

The Irreplaceable Human Element

Fitness coach Dafydd Judd, from the Welsh capital, said artificial intelligence can be useful to accelerate results, but believes it will never replace the human connection and responsibility that live training offers.

The 37-year-old, who has over a decade of experience as a coach, specialises in older adults and injury rehabilitation. He said some of his clients also use AI.

"In my opinion it's very valuable, additional information is good," he said.

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

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

But, he argued true dedication comes when people appear in person for training.

"As useful as it is at 2am, a digital tool won't keep you accountable at 7am before work," Dafydd concluded.

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