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A runner

After a festive period packed with rich foods and downtime, many people enter January looking to regain their fitness momentum.

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

Personalized Plans and Adaptable Timelines

One fitness enthusiast used an AI tool for last-minute training for the Cardiff Half Marathon.

This young woman from a town in Wales said she liked the liberty to ask it questions at all hours – a feature she felt was unavailable with a personal trainer.

Leah relied on an AI-powered fitness application that provided her personalised plans with audio coaching and pace setting for her inaugural long-distance race in 2024.

She explained she requested it to create a regimen merging running and the gym, and it produced an multi-week plan customized to her event day and objectives.

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

Subsequently, she chose a alternative application because it was cheaper and she could consult it at any time. Her result was a full minute quicker than her goal time.

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

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

A weightlifter

Remarkable Fitness Gains

In a similar case, Richard Gallimore, 23, from Swansea, has been using artificial intelligence for his exercise and nutrition programs, and reported he has never felt stronger, boosting his bench press from a lower weight to a much heavier load.

He turned to a AI assistant for help after being unable to run a running event.

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

The free tool built a workout and diet plan tailored to his aims, and established organized workouts.

"I train for about two hours a day and I've seen a real difference," he said.

The Cost Comparison: AI vs. Traditional Coaching

A recent survey in late 2024 analyzed prices for numerous of the largest gym brands and found the average membership cost was approximately forty pounds per month, based on standard full-access plans.

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

Based on further data, personal trainers set their own rates, typically a range of thirty to sixty-five pounds per 45-60 minute session outside London and about a similar range in the capital.

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

A personal trainer

The Essential Human Element

Personal trainer Dafydd Judd, from Cardiff, acknowledged AI can be useful to speed up progress, 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, focuses on older adults and injury rehabilitation. He mentioned some of his trainees also use technology.

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

"I think the more that people are online the more they'll want human connection because they crave the warmth from the comprehension that is missing from a machine," he continued.

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

However, he said real commitment comes when people show up in person for their sessions.

"No matter how helpful as it is at 2am, a computer won't keep you accountable at early morning before work," he added.

In the view of many, he suggested, the gym is a place to disconnect from devices and take a break from technology.