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A runner

Following a holiday period filled with indulgent treats and relaxation, many people head into the new year looking to get their fitness back on track.

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

Personalized Plans and Adaptable Schedules

One fitness enthusiast employed an artificial intelligence application for last-minute training for the Cardiff Half Marathon.

This young woman hailing from Aberdare explained she liked the liberty to pose queries at all hours – a feature she believed was unavailable with a personal trainer.

She relied on an AI-powered fitness application that provided her personalised plans with audio coaching and pace setting for her inaugural half marathon in recent years.

She explained she requested it to design a regimen merging cardio and the gym, and it generated an 11-week plan tailored to her event day and objectives.

The user then adjusted the schedule to fit her daily routine, which she described was highly practical.

The following year, she chose a alternative application because it was cheaper and she could ask it questions whenever she wanted. She finished a full minute quicker than her target finish.

She noted she did not want feeling pressure from a human personal trainer.

"With artificial intelligence you have to find your own drive, which I actually prefer," she remarked.

A weightlifter

Significant Strength Gains

In a similar case, Richard Gallimore, 23, from Swansea, has been employing artificial intelligence for his fitness and diet plans, and reported he has achieved peak strength, boosting his bench press from a lower weight to 110kg.

Richard turned to a bot for assistance after being forced to walk a race.

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

The free tool built a workout and diet plan tailored to his goals, and established structured routines.

"I train for about two hours a day and I've seen a noticeable change," he said.

The Expense Contrast: AI vs. Traditional Coaching

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 per month, based on basic memberships.

Fees ranged from £23 at the most affordable chain to £132 at the highest-priced.

Based on industry research, personal trainers set their own rates, usually a range of thirty to sixty-five pounds per 45-60 minute appointment in most areas and about £45-£65 in the capital.

Customers will often hire a trainer once or twice a week and collaborate for a short period, but these arrangements are often adaptable.

Dafydd Judd

The Irreplaceable Personal Touch

Fitness coach Dafydd Judd, from Cardiff, acknowledged artificial intelligence can be beneficial to speed up progress, but is convinced it will not supplant the human connection and responsibility that in-person coaching provides.

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

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

"I think the more that people are online the more they'll want personal contact because they crave the empathy from the comprehension that is absent from a computer," he added.

Dafydd said Artificial intelligence can inform users and make coaching more effective.

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

"As useful as it is at 2am, a digital tool cannot ensure you show up at 7am before work," Dafydd concluded.

For many, he suggested, the gym is a place to leave phones behind and take a break from technology.