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A runner

Following a holiday period packed with indulgent treats and downtime, many people enter January aiming to get their fitness back on track.

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

Tailored Plans and Adaptable Timelines

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

This young woman hailing from a town in Wales said she liked the freedom to ask it questions at all hours – something she felt was unavailable with a traditional coach.

Leah used an AI-powered fitness application that provided her personalised plans with voice guidance and speed targets for her first half marathon in 2024.

She said she asked it to create a regimen combining running and the weight training, and it produced an 11-week plan customized to her race date and objectives.

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

The following year, she opted for a alternative application because it was more affordable and she could consult it at any time. Her result was a minute faster than her goal time.

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

"Using AI you have to find your own drive, which I actually prefer," she remarked.

Richard Gallimore

Remarkable Fitness Gains

Meanwhile, Richard Gallimore, 23, based in a Welsh city, has been using artificial intelligence for his exercise and nutrition programs, and said he has never felt stronger, increasing his chest press from 70kg to 110kg.

He turned to a bot for assistance after being unable to run a running event.

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

This no-cost application built a fitness and meal program tailored to his goals, and created organized workouts.

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

The Expense Comparison: Technology vs. Traditional Coaching

One recent study in late 2024 compared prices for 17 of the biggest fitness chains and found the typical monthly fee was approximately forty pounds a month, based on basic memberships.

Prices ranged from £23 at the cheapest chain to £132 at the most expensive.

According to industry research, personal trainers set their own rates, usually £30-£65 per 45-60 minute session outside London and about a similar range in the capital.

Customers typically use a trainer one or two times a week and collaborate for a short period, however these agreements are completely flexible.

A personal trainer

The Essential Human Touch

Fitness coach Dafydd Judd, based in the Welsh capital, acknowledged AI can be useful to accelerate results, but is convinced it will never replace the human connection and accountability that live training offers.

The 37-year-old, who has over a decade of experience as a coach, focuses on older adults and recovery from injuries. He mentioned a number of his clients also employ 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 personal contact because they crave the empathy from the comprehension that is absent from a machine," he continued.

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

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

"No matter how helpful as it is at 2am, a computer cannot ensure you show up at 7am before work," Dafydd concluded.

In the view of many, he said, the fitness center is a space to disconnect from devices and take a break from technology.