🔗 Share this article

A runner

After a festive period filled with rich foods and downtime, numerous individuals head into the new year looking to regain their fitness momentum.

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

Tailored Plans and Adaptable Timelines

One fitness enthusiast used an artificial intelligence application for impromptu preparation for the Cardiff Half Marathon.

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

Leah used an AI-powered fitness application that gave her customized schedules with voice guidance and pace setting for her first half marathon in recent years.

She said she asked it to design a plan combining cardio and the weight training, and it generated an multi-week plan customized to her race date and goals.

Leah then tweaked the plan to suit her daily routine, which she described was convenient.

Subsequently, she opted for a different tool because it was cheaper and she could consult it at any time. Her result was a minute faster than her goal time.

She said she wanted to avoid the pressure from a live instructor.

"With artificial intelligence you have to find your own drive, which I quite like," she added.

A weightlifter

Remarkable Fitness Gains

In a similar case, Richard Gallimore, 23, based in Swansea, has been using artificial intelligence for his exercise and nutrition programs, and said he has never felt stronger, increasing his bench press from a lower weight to 110kg.

Richard resorted to a bot for help after being unable to run a race.

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

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

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

The Expense Comparison: AI vs. Traditional Training

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

Prices started at a lower price at the cheapest provider to a premium rate at the highest-priced.

According to further data, fitness coaches determine their own fees, usually £30-£65 per 45-60 minute session in most areas and about a similar range in the capital.

Customers typically hire a trainer one or two times a week and collaborate for a short period, but these arrangements are often adaptable.

A personal trainer

The Essential Human Element

Personal trainer Dafydd Judd, from the Welsh capital, said AI can be useful to speed up progress, but is convinced it will not supplant the personal interaction and accountability that live training offers.

This expert, who has over a decade of experience as a trainer, focuses on older adults and injury rehabilitation. He said some of his trainees also employ technology.

"I think it's very valuable, more knowledge is positive," he stated.

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

The trainer explained Artificial intelligence can inform users and make guidance more efficient.

However, he argued 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 computer cannot ensure you show up at early morning before work," Dafydd added.

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