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A runner

After a holiday period filled with rich foods and relaxation, numerous individuals head into January looking to regain their fitness momentum.

But, is it possible that Artificial Intelligence be changing the fitness industry by providing an option to human coaches?

Personalized Plans and Flexible Timelines

Leah Walsh employed an AI tool for last-minute training for the a major running event.

This young woman from Aberdare said she liked the freedom to pose queries any time of day – a feature she believed was unavailable with a traditional coach.

She relied on an AI-powered running app that gave her customized schedules with voice guidance and speed targets for her inaugural half marathon in recent years.

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

The user then adjusted the schedule to fit her lifestyle, which she said was convenient.

Subsequently, she chose a alternative application because it was more affordable and she could consult it whenever she wanted. Her result was a full minute quicker than her target finish.

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

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

Richard Gallimore

Remarkable Fitness Improvements

Meanwhile, Richard Gallimore, in his twenties, from Swansea, has been employing AI for his fitness and diet plans, and said he has achieved peak strength, boosting his bench press from 70kg to 110kg.

He turned to a AI assistant for assistance after being unable to run a race.

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

The free tool built a fitness and meal program personalized to his aims, and created structured routines.

"I work out for about 120 minutes a day and I've seen a noticeable change," he added.

The Expense Contrast: Technology vs. Conventional Training

One recent survey in late 2024 analyzed costs for numerous of the largest gym brands and found the average membership cost was approximately forty pounds per month, based on basic full-access plans.

Fees ranged from a lower price at the most affordable chain to £132 at the highest-priced.

According to industry research, fitness coaches set their own rates, typically a range of thirty to sixty-five pounds per hour-long appointment in most areas and about a similar range in the capital.

Clients will often use a trainer one or two times a week and work with them for a short period, but these agreements are often adaptable.

Dafydd Judd

The Irreplaceable Personal Touch

Personal trainer Dafydd Judd, based in Cardiff, said artificial intelligence can be useful to accelerate results, but believes it will never replace the human connection and accountability that live training offers.

This expert, who has over a decade of experience as a coach, focuses on senior clients and recovery from injuries. He mentioned a number of his trainees also use technology.

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

"I think the more that people are online the more they'll want personal contact because they crave the warmth from the understanding that is absent from a computer," he added.

Dafydd explained AI can inform users and make coaching more effective.

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 digital tool won't keep you accountable at 7am before work," Dafydd concluded.

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