🔗 Share this article

Leah Walsh

After a holiday period packed with indulgent treats and downtime, numerous individuals head into January looking to regain their fitness momentum.

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

Tailored Programs and Adaptable Timelines

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

This young woman hailing from a town in Wales explained she liked the liberty to ask it questions any time of day – a feature she felt was unavailable with a traditional coach.

Leah relied on an AI-driven running app that provided her customized schedules with voice guidance and speed targets for her inaugural long-distance race in recent years.

She said she requested it to design a plan merging cardio and the weight training, and it generated an multi-week plan tailored to her race date and goals.

The user then adjusted the plan to suit her lifestyle, which she described was highly practical.

Subsequently, she opted for a alternative application because it was more affordable and she could consult it whenever she wanted. She finished a full minute quicker than her target finish.

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

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

Richard Gallimore

Remarkable Fitness Gains

Meanwhile, Another individual, in his twenties, from a Welsh city, has been using AI for his fitness and diet plans, and reported he has never felt stronger, increasing his chest press from a lower weight to a much heavier load.

Richard resorted to a bot for help after being forced to walk a running event.

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

This no-cost application built a workout and diet plan tailored to his goals, and established structured routines.

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

The Expense Comparison: AI vs. Conventional Coaching

One recent survey in late 2024 compared costs for 17 of the biggest gym brands and found the average membership cost was approximately forty pounds a month, based on standard memberships.

Prices ranged from £23 at the most affordable chain to £132 at the highest-priced.

Based on further data, fitness coaches set their own rates, typically £30-£65 per 45-60 minute appointment in most areas and about £45-£65 in the capital.

Clients will often hire a coach one or two times a week and collaborate for a few months, but these agreements are completely flexible.

Dafydd Judd

The Irreplaceable Personal Element

Fitness coach one experienced professional, from Cardiff, said artificial intelligence can be beneficial to accelerate results, but is convinced it will never replace the human connection and accountability that in-person coaching provides.

The 37-year-old, who has over a decade of experience as a trainer, focuses on senior clients and injury rehabilitation. He mentioned some of his trainees also use AI.

"I think it's extremely useful, more knowledge is positive," he stated.

"I believe the more that people are online the more they'll desire personal contact because they crave the empathy from the understanding that is absent from a machine," he added.

Dafydd explained Artificial intelligence can inform users and make coaching more efficient.

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

"No matter how helpful as it is at the middle of the night, a computer cannot ensure you show up at early morning before work," he concluded.

In the view of many, he said, the gym is a place to disconnect from devices and stop being glued to screens.