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Leah Walsh

After a festive period packed with rich foods and downtime, numerous individuals head into January aiming to get their fitness back on track.

But, is it possible that Artificial Intelligence be changing the fitness industry by providing an alternative to human coaches?

Personalized Plans and Adaptable Schedules

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

This young woman from a town in Wales explained she liked the freedom to ask it questions at all hours – something she believed was unavailable with a traditional coach.

Leah used an AI-driven fitness application that gave her customized schedules with audio coaching and pace setting for her inaugural half marathon in recent years.

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

Leah then adjusted the plan to fit her daily routine, which she said was highly practical.

The following year, she chose a different tool because it was cheaper and she could consult it whenever she wanted. Her result was a full minute quicker 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 Fitness Gains

Meanwhile, Richard Gallimore, in his twenties, based in a Welsh city, has been employing artificial intelligence for his fitness and diet plans, and said he has never felt stronger, boosting his chest press from a lower weight to 110kg.

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

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

This no-cost application built a workout and diet plan tailored to his goals, and established organized workouts.

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

The Expense Contrast: AI vs. Conventional Coaching

One recent survey in late 2024 analyzed prices for numerous of the largest fitness chains and found the typical monthly fee was around £38 a month, for basic memberships.

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

Based on industry research, fitness coaches set their own rates, typically £30-£65 per 45-60 minute appointment in most areas and about £45-£65 in London.

Customers will often hire a coach one or two times a week and work with them for a few months, but these arrangements are completely flexible.

Dafydd Judd

The Irreplaceable Human Touch

Fitness coach Dafydd Judd, based in the Welsh capital, acknowledged AI can be useful to speed up progress, but is convinced it will never replace the personal interaction and accountability that in-person coaching offers.

The 37-year-old, who has over a decade of experience as a coach, focuses on older adults and injury rehabilitation. He mentioned some of his clients also use technology.

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

"I think the more that people are connected digitally the more they'll want human connection because they want the empathy from the understanding that is missing from a machine," he continued.

Dafydd said AI can inform users and make guidance more efficient.

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

"No matter how helpful as it is at the middle of the night, a digital tool cannot ensure you show up at 7am before work," he added.

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