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Leah Walsh

Following a festive period filled with indulgent treats and downtime, numerous individuals head into the new year looking to regain their fitness momentum.

But, could Artificial Intelligence be transforming the fitness industry by providing an alternative to human coaches?

Personalized Programs and Flexible Timelines

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

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

She used an AI-driven running app that provided her customized schedules with voice guidance and speed targets for her first half marathon in recent years.

She explained she asked it to design a plan merging running and the gym, and it generated an multi-week plan customized to her event day and objectives.

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

The following year, she chose a alternative application 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 did not want the pressure from a human personal trainer.

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

Richard Gallimore

Significant Strength Gains

In a similar case, Another individual, in his twenties, from a Welsh city, has been employing artificial intelligence for his exercise and nutrition programs, and said he has achieved peak strength, increasing his bench press from a lower weight to a much heavier load.

Richard turned to a AI assistant for help after being forced to walk a running event.

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

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

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

The Cost Contrast: AI vs. Traditional Training

One recent survey in late 2024 analyzed prices for 17 of the largest gym brands and found the typical monthly fee was around £38 a month, based on standard full-access plans.

Fees ranged from £23 at the cheapest provider to a premium rate at the most expensive.

Based on industry research, fitness coaches determine their own fees, typically £30-£65 per hour-long appointment in most areas and about a similar range in the capital.

Customers typically use a coach one or two times a week and work with them for a few months, but these arrangements are often adaptable.

A personal trainer

The Essential Personal Touch

Fitness coach Dafydd Judd, based in Cardiff, said artificial intelligence can be useful to speed up progress, but is convinced it will never replace the personal interaction and accountability that in-person coaching provides.

The 37-year-old, who has over a decade of experience as a coach, specialises in senior clients and injury rehabilitation. He said a number of his clients also employ technology.

"I think it's extremely useful, additional information is good," he stated.

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

The trainer said Artificial intelligence can inform clients and make coaching more efficient.

However, he argued true dedication comes when people appear in person for training.

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

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