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Leah Walsh

Following a holiday period filled with rich foods and relaxation, many people enter the new year aiming to get their fitness back on track.

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

Personalized Plans and Adaptable Schedules

Leah Walsh used an AI tool for impromptu preparation for the a major running event.

This young woman from Aberdare explained she liked the liberty to ask it questions at all hours – a feature she felt was not possible with a traditional coach.

She used an AI-driven running app that gave her personalised plans with voice guidance and speed targets for her first long-distance race in 2024.

She explained she asked it to design a plan combining cardio and the weight training, and it generated an 11-week plan customized to her event day and goals.

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

Subsequently, she opted for a alternative application because it was cheaper and she could consult it whenever she wanted. She finished a full minute quicker than her target finish.

She said she did not want the pressure from a human personal trainer.

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

A weightlifter

Significant Fitness Gains

Meanwhile, Richard Gallimore, in his twenties, based in a Welsh city, has been using artificial intelligence for his fitness and diet plans, and said he has achieved peak strength, boosting his chest press from a lower weight to a much heavier load.

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

"I just knew I had to get myself in shape," he said.

The free tool built a fitness and meal program personalized to his aims, and created organized workouts.

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

The Expense Contrast: AI vs. Traditional Training

One recent survey in late 2024 compared prices for 17 of the largest fitness chains and found the typical monthly fee was approximately forty pounds a month, based on standard memberships.

Fees started at £23 at the most affordable chain to £132 at the most expensive.

According to industry research, personal trainers determine their own fees, typically a range of thirty to sixty-five pounds per hour-long session outside London and about £45-£65 in the capital.

Clients typically use a coach one or two times a week and collaborate for a short period, however these agreements are often adaptable.

Dafydd Judd

The Essential Personal Element

Personal trainer Dafydd Judd, based in the Welsh capital, said artificial intelligence can be useful to accelerate results, but believes it will not supplant the personal interaction and accountability that live training provides.

This expert, who has over a decade of experience as a coach, focuses on older adults and recovery from injuries. He said some of his clients 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 desire personal contact because they want the empathy from the comprehension that is absent from a computer," he added.

Dafydd said Artificial intelligence can educate clients and make guidance more effective.

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

"As useful as it is at 2am, a computer won't keep you accountable at early morning before work," he added.

For many, he said, the fitness center is a place to disconnect from devices and stop being glued to screens.