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Leah Walsh

After a festive period packed with rich foods and downtime, numerous individuals enter the new year aiming to regain their fitness momentum.

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

Personalized Programs and Adaptable Schedules

One fitness enthusiast employed an AI tool for last-minute preparation for the a major running event.

The 21-year-old from a town in Wales explained she liked the freedom to pose queries at all hours – a feature she believed was not possible with a traditional coach.

She used an AI-driven fitness application that provided her customized schedules with voice guidance and pace setting for her inaugural long-distance race in 2024.

She said she asked it to create a plan combining cardio and the weight training, and it produced an multi-week programme tailored to her event day and objectives.

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

The following year, she chose a different tool because it was cheaper and she could ask it questions whenever she wanted. She finished a full minute quicker than her goal time.

She noted she wanted to avoid feeling pressure from a live instructor.

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

Richard Gallimore

Remarkable Strength Gains

Meanwhile, Richard Gallimore, 23, based in Swansea, has been using AI for his fitness and diet plans, and reported he has never felt stronger, boosting his chest press from 70kg to 110kg.

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

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

The free tool constructed a fitness and meal program personalized to his aims, and established organized workouts.

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

The Expense Comparison: Technology vs. Traditional Training

One recent survey in late 2024 analyzed costs for 17 of the biggest gym brands and found the average membership cost was approximately forty pounds per month, for basic full-access plans.

Fees started at a lower price at the cheapest provider to a premium rate at the most expensive.

Based on further data, personal trainers determine their own fees, usually a range of thirty to sixty-five pounds per 45-60 minute appointment outside London and about a similar range in the capital.

Customers will often use a trainer one or two times a week and collaborate for a few months, however these agreements are often adaptable.

Dafydd Judd

The Irreplaceable Personal Touch

Personal trainer Dafydd Judd, from the Welsh capital, said artificial intelligence can be beneficial to speed up progress, but believes it will never replace the personal interaction and responsibility that in-person coaching provides.

The 37-year-old, who has 12 years experience as a trainer, focuses on older adults and recovery from injuries. He mentioned some of his trainees also use technology.

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

"I believe the more people are online the more they'll want personal contact because they crave the empathy from the understanding that is missing from a machine," he added.

The trainer said Artificial intelligence can educate clients and make guidance more effective.

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

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

For many, he said, the fitness center is a space to leave phones behind and take a break from technology.