🔗 Share this article

Leah Walsh

After a holiday period filled with rich foods and relaxation, many people head into January looking to regain their fitness momentum.

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

Personalized Programs and Adaptable Schedules

One fitness enthusiast employed an AI tool for impromptu preparation for the Cardiff Half Marathon.

This young woman hailing from a town in Wales explained she liked the liberty to ask it questions at all hours – something she believed was not possible with a personal trainer.

Leah used an AI-driven running app that provided her customized schedules with audio coaching and pace setting for her inaugural half marathon in 2024.

She explained she requested it to design a regimen combining cardio and the weight training, and it generated an multi-week plan tailored to her event day and goals.

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

Subsequently, she chose a different tool because it was cheaper and she could ask it questions whenever she wanted. Her result was a minute faster than her target finish.

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

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

Richard Gallimore

Significant Strength Improvements

In a similar case, Richard Gallimore, in his twenties, from Swansea, has been employing artificial intelligence for his exercise and nutrition programs, and said he has achieved peak strength, increasing his chest press from 70kg to 110kg.

He resorted to a AI assistant for assistance after being unable to run a race.

"I just knew I had to sort myself out," he said.

This no-cost application constructed a fitness and meal program tailored to his goals, and established structured routines.

"I train for about 120 minutes a day and I've seen a real difference," he added.

The Cost Comparison: Technology vs. Conventional Coaching

One recent survey in late 2024 analyzed prices for 17 of the biggest gym brands and found the average membership cost was around £38 a month, for basic full-access plans.

Prices started at a lower price at the most affordable chain to a premium rate at the highest-priced.

Based on industry research, fitness coaches determine their own fees, usually £30-£65 per hour-long session in most areas and about £45-£65 in the capital.

Clients will often use a trainer once or twice a week and collaborate for a short period, but these arrangements are completely flexible.

Dafydd Judd

The Essential Personal Touch

Fitness coach Dafydd Judd, from Cardiff, acknowledged artificial intelligence can be beneficial to accelerate results, but is convinced it will never replace the human connection and responsibility that live training offers.

This expert, who has 12 years experience as a coach, specialises in older adults and injury rehabilitation. He mentioned a number of his trainees also employ technology.

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

"I think the more that people are online the more they'll want human connection because they want the empathy from the understanding that is missing from a computer," he added.

The trainer explained Artificial intelligence can educate clients and make coaching more effective.

But, he said real commitment comes when people appear in person for training.

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

For many, he suggested, the fitness center is a space to leave phones behind and stop being glued to screens.