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Leah Walsh

After a holiday period packed with indulgent treats and downtime, many people enter the new year aiming to regain their fitness momentum.

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

Personalized Programs and Adaptable Timelines

Leah Walsh employed an artificial intelligence application for last-minute preparation for the a major running event.

The 21-year-old hailing from a town in Wales explained she liked the liberty to pose queries at all hours – something she felt was not possible with a personal trainer.

Leah used an AI-driven fitness application that provided 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 running and the weight training, and it generated an multi-week plan tailored to her event day and goals.

Leah then adjusted the schedule to fit her daily routine, which she said was convenient.

The following year, she chose a different tool because it was more affordable and she could consult it whenever she wanted. Her result was a full minute quicker than her goal time.

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

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

A weightlifter

Significant Strength Improvements

In a similar case, Richard Gallimore, 23, based in a Welsh city, has been employing AI for his exercise and nutrition programs, and said he has achieved peak strength, increasing his bench press from a lower weight to a much heavier load.

Richard resorted to a bot for assistance after being unable to run a running event.

"I just knew I had to get myself in shape," he commented.

The free tool built a fitness and meal program personalized to his goals, and established organized workouts.

"I train for about 120 minutes a day and I've seen a real difference," he added.

The Cost Comparison: Technology vs. Conventional Training

One recent survey in late 2024 compared prices for numerous of the largest fitness chains and found the typical monthly fee was around £38 per month, for standard full-access plans.

Fees ranged from £23 at the cheapest provider to £132 at the most expensive.

Based on further data, personal trainers set their own rates, usually a range of thirty to sixty-five pounds per 45-60 minute session outside London and about £45-£65 in the capital.

Clients typically use a trainer once or twice a week and work with them for a few months, but these arrangements are often adaptable.

Dafydd Judd

The Essential Human Element

Personal trainer Dafydd Judd, based in Cardiff, said artificial intelligence can be beneficial to accelerate results, but is convinced it will never replace the personal interaction and responsibility that live training offers.

This expert, who has 12 years experience as a coach, focuses on senior clients and injury rehabilitation. He mentioned a number of his trainees also employ technology.

"In my opinion it's extremely useful, more knowledge is good," he stated.

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

Dafydd said Artificial intelligence can educate users and make coaching more effective.

But, he said real commitment comes when people appear physically for their sessions.

"No matter how helpful as it is at the middle of the night, a computer cannot ensure you show up at 7am before work," he concluded.

For many, he suggested, the gym is a place to leave phones behind and stop being glued to screens.