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A runner

After a holiday period packed with rich foods and downtime, numerous individuals enter January aiming to get their fitness back on track.

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

Tailored Plans and Flexible Schedules

One fitness enthusiast used an artificial intelligence application for last-minute training for the a major running event.

This young woman from a town in Wales explained she appreciated the liberty to pose queries at all hours – something she felt was not possible with a traditional coach.

She relied on an AI-driven fitness application that gave her customized schedules with audio coaching and speed targets for her inaugural half marathon in recent years.

She explained she asked it to design a regimen merging cardio and the weight training, and it produced an multi-week programme tailored to her race date and objectives.

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

The following year, she opted for a different tool because it was cheaper and she could ask it questions at any time. Her result was a minute faster than her goal time.

She said she did not want feeling pressure from a live instructor.

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

A weightlifter

Remarkable Strength Improvements

In a similar case, Richard Gallimore, in his twenties, from Swansea, has been using AI for his exercise and nutrition programs, and said he has achieved peak strength, boosting his chest press from a lower weight to a much heavier load.

He turned to a bot for help after being forced to walk a race.

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

The free tool constructed a workout and diet plan tailored to his goals, and created organized workouts.

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

The Cost Contrast: Technology vs. Traditional Training

A recent study in late 2024 analyzed prices for 17 of the largest fitness chains and found the typical monthly fee was around £38 per month, based on basic full-access plans.

Prices ranged from £23 at the cheapest provider to a premium rate at the highest-priced.

Based on further data, personal trainers determine their own fees, typically £30-£65 per 45-60 minute appointment outside London and about £45-£65 in London.

Clients will often hire a coach one or two times a week and work with them for a short period, however these agreements are often adaptable.

A personal trainer

The Essential Human Touch

Fitness coach one experienced professional, based in the Welsh capital, acknowledged AI can be useful to accelerate results, but believes it will never replace the human connection and accountability that live training provides.

This expert, who has over a decade of experience as a coach, focuses on older adults and recovery from injuries. He mentioned some of his clients also use AI.

"I think it's very valuable, more knowledge is good," he stated.

"I think the more that people are connected digitally the more they'll desire human connection because they want the warmth from the comprehension that is absent from a computer," he continued.

The trainer explained AI can inform clients and make coaching more efficient.

But, he argued true dedication comes when people appear in person for their sessions.

"As useful as it is at the middle of the night, a digital tool won't keep you accountable at 7am before work," Dafydd concluded.

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