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A runner

Following a festive period filled with indulgent treats and downtime, many people enter the new year looking to regain their fitness momentum.

But, is it possible that AI be changing the fitness industry by offering an alternative to human coaches?

Personalized Plans and Flexible Schedules

One fitness enthusiast used an artificial intelligence application for last-minute training for the a major running event.

The 21-year-old from Aberdare said she liked the freedom to ask it questions any time of day – a feature she believed was not possible with a traditional coach.

Leah used an AI-driven running app that gave her personalised plans with voice guidance and pace setting for her first half marathon in recent years.

She explained she asked it to design a plan merging running and the gym, and it generated an 11-week programme customized to her event day and goals.

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

The following year, she opted for a different tool because it was more affordable and she could consult it at any time. Her result was a full minute quicker than her target finish.

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

"Using AI you have to motivate yourself, which I quite like," she remarked.

Richard Gallimore

Remarkable Fitness Gains

In a similar case, Richard Gallimore, in his twenties, from a Welsh city, has been using AI for his fitness and diet plans, and said he has achieved peak strength, boosting his bench press from a lower weight to a much heavier load.

He resorted to a bot for help after being unable to run a running event.

"I just knew I need to get myself in shape," he commented.

This no-cost application constructed 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 noticeable change," he said.

The Cost Comparison: AI vs. Traditional Training

A recent study in late 2024 compared costs for numerous of the biggest fitness chains and found the average membership cost was approximately forty pounds a month, for standard memberships.

Prices ranged from £23 at the most affordable provider to a premium rate at the highest-priced.

According to industry research, fitness coaches determine their own fees, usually a range of thirty to sixty-five pounds per hour-long appointment in most areas and about £45-£65 in the capital.

Customers will often use a trainer once or twice a week and collaborate for a few months, but these arrangements are often adaptable.

A personal trainer

The Irreplaceable Human Element

Personal trainer one experienced professional, from the Welsh capital, said AI can be useful to accelerate results, but is convinced it will not supplant the personal interaction and responsibility that in-person coaching provides.

This expert, who has over a decade of experience as a coach, specialises in senior clients and injury rehabilitation. He mentioned a number of his clients also use AI.

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

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

Dafydd explained AI can educate users and make guidance more efficient.

But, he argued real commitment comes when people show up physically for training.

"No matter how helpful as it is at 2am, a computer won't keep you accountable at 7am before work," he concluded.

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