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A runner

Following a festive period filled with indulgent treats and relaxation, many people enter the new year looking to regain their fitness momentum.

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

Personalized Plans and Flexible Timelines

One fitness enthusiast employed an AI tool for last-minute training for the Cardiff Half Marathon.

The 21-year-old from a town in Wales said she liked the freedom to ask it questions any time of day – something she felt was unavailable with a traditional coach.

Leah relied on an AI-driven fitness application that provided her personalised plans with audio coaching and pace setting for her first long-distance race in 2024.

She explained she asked it to create a plan merging cardio and the weight training, and it produced an 11-week programme customized to her event day and objectives.

The user then tweaked the plan to suit her daily routine, which she described was highly practical.

Subsequently, she chose a alternative application because it was more affordable and she could consult it at any time. She finished a minute faster than her target finish.

She said she did not want the pressure from a human personal trainer.

"With AI you have to motivate yourself, which I quite like," she added.

A weightlifter

Remarkable Fitness Gains

In a similar case, Richard Gallimore, in his twenties, based in a Welsh city, has been employing artificial intelligence for his exercise and nutrition programs, and reported he has achieved peak strength, increasing his chest press from 70kg to 110kg.

He turned to a AI assistant for help after being unable to run a running event.

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

The free tool constructed a workout and diet plan personalized to his aims, and established structured routines.

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

The Expense Contrast: AI vs. Traditional Training

One recent survey in late 2024 compared costs for 17 of the biggest gym brands and found the typical monthly fee was around £38 per month, based on basic memberships.

Prices ranged from a lower price at the cheapest provider to £132 at the highest-priced.

Based on industry research, fitness coaches determine their own fees, usually a range of thirty to sixty-five pounds per hour-long session in most areas and about a similar range in the capital.

Customers typically use a coach one or two times a week and collaborate for a few months, however these arrangements are completely flexible.

A personal trainer

The Irreplaceable Personal Touch

Fitness coach Dafydd Judd, based in Cardiff, said AI can be beneficial to accelerate results, but is convinced it will never replace the personal interaction and responsibility that live training offers.

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

"In my opinion it's extremely useful, more knowledge is good," he said.

"I believe the more people are connected digitally the more they'll want personal contact because they want the empathy from the comprehension that is absent from a machine," he continued.

Dafydd explained AI can educate clients and make guidance more efficient.

However, he said real commitment comes when people appear physically for training.

"As useful as it is at 2am, a computer cannot ensure you show up at 7am before work," he added.

In the view of many, he suggested, the gym is a space to leave phones behind and stop being glued to screens.