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A runner

Following a holiday period filled with indulgent treats and relaxation, many people enter the new year aiming to get their fitness back on track.

However, could AI be changing the fitness industry by offering an option to human coaches?

Personalized Programs and Adaptable Schedules

Leah Walsh employed an artificial intelligence application for last-minute preparation for the Cardiff Half Marathon.

This young woman hailing from Aberdare explained she appreciated the liberty to ask it questions any time of day – something she felt was unavailable with a traditional coach.

She used an AI-powered fitness application that provided her personalised plans with audio coaching and speed targets for her first half marathon in recent years.

She explained she asked it to create a plan combining cardio and the gym, and it produced an 11-week plan tailored to her event day and goals.

The user then adjusted the plan to fit her daily routine, which she said was highly practical.

Subsequently, she opted for a different tool because it was more affordable and she could ask it questions whenever she wanted. She finished a minute faster than her goal time.

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

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

Richard Gallimore

Significant Fitness Gains

In a similar case, Another individual, 23, based in Swansea, has been employing AI for his fitness and diet plans, and said he has never felt stronger, boosting his bench press from a lower weight to a much heavier load.

He resorted to a bot for help after being unable to run a race.

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

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

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

The Expense Comparison: Technology vs. Conventional Training

A recent survey in late 2024 compared costs for numerous of the biggest fitness chains and found the typical monthly fee was around £38 a month, for standard memberships.

Fees ranged from a lower price at the cheapest chain to £132 at the most expensive.

Based on industry research, fitness coaches set their own rates, usually £30-£65 per hour-long appointment in most areas and about £45-£65 in the capital.

Customers will often use a coach once or twice a week and work with them for a few months, however these agreements are often adaptable.

Dafydd Judd

The Irreplaceable Personal Element

Personal trainer one experienced professional, from the Welsh capital, acknowledged artificial intelligence can be beneficial to accelerate results, but believes it will not supplant the personal interaction and accountability that live training offers.

This expert, who has over a decade of experience as a coach, focuses on older adults and injury rehabilitation. He said a number of his trainees also use technology.

"In my opinion it's extremely useful, additional information is positive," he stated.

"I think the more that people are connected digitally the more they'll want human connection because they want the empathy from the comprehension that is absent from a computer," he added.

Dafydd explained AI can educate users and make guidance more efficient.

However, he said real commitment comes when people show up in person for training.

"As useful as it is at 2am, a digital tool cannot ensure you show up at 7am before work," he concluded.

In the view of many, he suggested, the fitness center is a space to disconnect from devices and take a break from technology.