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Leah Walsh

After a festive period packed 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 option to human coaches?

Tailored Programs and Flexible Schedules

Leah Walsh employed an AI tool for impromptu preparation for the a major running event.

This young woman hailing from a town in Wales said she liked the liberty to pose queries any time of day – something she felt was not possible with a traditional coach.

Leah relied on an AI-driven fitness application that provided her customized schedules with voice guidance and pace setting for her first long-distance race in 2024.

She said she asked it to design a regimen merging running and the weight training, and it produced an multi-week programme customized to her event day and objectives.

Leah then tweaked the plan to fit her daily routine, which she described was convenient.

The following year, she opted for a different tool because it was more affordable and she could consult it at any time. She finished a full minute quicker than her goal time.

She said she wanted to avoid feeling pressure from a human personal trainer.

"With AI you have to find your own drive, which I quite like," she added.

Richard Gallimore

Remarkable Fitness Gains

In a similar case, Richard Gallimore, 23, based in Swansea, has been employing AI for his exercise and nutrition programs, and said he has never felt stronger, increasing his chest press from a lower weight to a much heavier load.

Richard resorted to a AI assistant 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 workout and diet plan personalized to his aims, and created organized workouts.

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

The Expense Comparison: AI vs. Traditional Coaching

A recent survey in late 2024 compared costs for numerous of the biggest gym brands and found the average membership cost was approximately forty pounds a month, for basic full-access plans.

Fees started at £23 at the most affordable provider to £132 at the highest-priced.

Based on industry research, personal trainers set their own rates, typically £30-£65 per 45-60 minute session outside London and about a similar range in London.

Customers will often hire 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 Element

Personal trainer Dafydd Judd, from the Welsh capital, said artificial intelligence can be useful to accelerate results, but is convinced it will never replace the personal interaction and responsibility that live training offers.

This expert, who has over a decade of experience as a coach, specialises in older adults and injury rehabilitation. He mentioned a number of his clients also use technology.

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

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

Dafydd explained Artificial intelligence can educate clients and make guidance more efficient.

However, he argued true dedication comes when people show up physically for training.

"No matter how helpful as it is at 2am, a digital tool won't keep you accountable at 7am before work," he added.

For many, he suggested, the fitness center is a space to disconnect from devices and stop being glued to screens.