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A runner

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

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

Tailored Programs and Flexible Schedules

One fitness enthusiast used an AI tool for impromptu training for the Cardiff Half Marathon.

The 21-year-old hailing from Aberdare explained she liked the liberty to pose queries any time of day – a feature she believed was unavailable with a traditional coach.

Leah relied on an AI-driven running app that provided her personalised plans with audio coaching and speed targets for her inaugural long-distance race in recent years.

She explained she asked it to create a regimen combining cardio and the weight training, and it generated an 11-week programme tailored to her event day and objectives.

Leah then tweaked the plan to suit her daily routine, which she described was highly practical.

Subsequently, she chose a alternative application because it was cheaper and she could ask it questions at any time. Her result was a minute faster than her target finish.

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

"With artificial intelligence you have to motivate yourself, which I quite like," she remarked.

A weightlifter

Remarkable Strength Improvements

Meanwhile, Another individual, in his twenties, from a Welsh city, has been employing artificial intelligence for his fitness and diet plans, and reported he has achieved peak strength, boosting 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 race.

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

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

"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

A recent survey in late 2024 analyzed prices for numerous of the biggest 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 further data, personal trainers set their own rates, usually a range of thirty to sixty-five pounds per hour-long session outside London and about a similar range in the capital.

Clients typically use a trainer once or twice a week and work with them for a short period, however these arrangements are often adaptable.

A personal trainer

The Irreplaceable Personal Element

Fitness coach Dafydd Judd, from Cardiff, acknowledged AI can be useful to speed up progress, but believes it will not supplant the personal interaction and responsibility that live training provides.

The 37-year-old, who has 12 years experience as a coach, specialises in older adults and injury rehabilitation. He mentioned some of his clients also use AI.

"In my opinion it's very valuable, additional information is good," he stated.

"I think the more that people are connected digitally the more they'll desire personal contact because they crave the empathy from the comprehension that is absent from a machine," he added.

The trainer explained AI can inform users and make guidance more efficient.

But, he argued real commitment comes when people appear physically for training.

"No matter how helpful as it is at the middle of the night, a computer won't keep you accountable at 7am before work," Dafydd added.

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