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Leah Walsh

After a festive period filled with rich foods and relaxation, many people head into the new year looking to get their fitness back on track.

However, is it possible that Artificial Intelligence be transforming the fitness industry by providing an alternative to human coaches?

Tailored Plans and Adaptable Schedules

Leah Walsh employed an artificial intelligence application for impromptu training for the Cardiff Half Marathon.

The 21-year-old hailing from a town in Wales explained she liked the liberty to ask it questions any time of day – a feature she believed was not possible with a traditional coach.

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

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

The user then tweaked the schedule to fit her lifestyle, which she described was highly practical.

The following year, she chose a different tool because it was cheaper and she could consult it whenever she wanted. She finished a minute faster than her goal time.

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

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

A weightlifter

Remarkable Fitness Improvements

Meanwhile, Another individual, 23, based in Swansea, has been using artificial intelligence for his exercise and nutrition programs, and reported he has achieved peak strength, increasing his bench press from a lower weight to 110kg.

Richard resorted to a AI assistant for assistance after being forced to walk a running event.

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

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

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

The Cost Contrast: Technology vs. Conventional Training

One recent survey in the previous year analyzed prices for 17 of the largest gym brands and found the average membership cost was around £38 a month, based on basic memberships.

Fees started at £23 at the cheapest chain to a premium rate at the highest-priced.

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

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

A personal trainer

The Essential Human Touch

Personal trainer one experienced professional, from the Welsh capital, said AI can be useful to speed up progress, but believes it will never replace the human connection and accountability that in-person coaching offers.

This expert, who has 12 years experience as a coach, focuses on senior clients and recovery from injuries. He said a number of his trainees also use AI.

"I think it's very valuable, more knowledge is positive," he said.

"I think the more that people are online the more they'll desire human connection because they want the empathy from the comprehension that is missing from a computer," he continued.

Dafydd said AI can educate clients and make coaching more effective.

However, he argued true dedication comes when people show up 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 early morning before work," Dafydd concluded.

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