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A runner

Following a holiday period packed with indulgent treats and relaxation, numerous individuals enter the new year looking to regain their fitness momentum.

However, could AI be transforming the fitness industry by providing an option to human coaches?

Tailored Plans and Adaptable Timelines

Leah Walsh used an AI tool for last-minute training for the Cardiff Half Marathon.

The 21-year-old from Aberdare said she appreciated the freedom to ask it questions any time of day – a feature she believed was not possible with a personal trainer.

She used an AI-powered running app that provided her personalised plans with voice guidance and speed targets for her inaugural half marathon in recent years.

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

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

The following year, she opted for a alternative application because it was cheaper and she could consult it at any time. Her result was a minute faster than her goal time.

She noted she wanted to avoid the pressure from a live instructor.

"Using artificial intelligence you have to motivate yourself, which I actually prefer," she remarked.

A weightlifter

Remarkable Strength Improvements

In a similar case, Richard Gallimore, 23, based in Swansea, has been employing AI for his fitness and diet plans, and reported he has never felt stronger, increasing his chest press from 70kg to 110kg.

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

"I realized I had to sort myself out," he commented.

This no-cost application constructed a fitness and meal program tailored to his aims, and established structured routines.

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

The Cost Contrast: AI vs. Conventional Training

One recent study in late 2024 compared costs for 17 of the biggest gym brands and found the average membership cost was around £38 a month, for basic memberships.

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

According to industry research, personal trainers determine their own fees, typically a range of thirty to sixty-five pounds per hour-long appointment outside London and about £45-£65 in London.

Customers typically use a trainer once or twice a week and collaborate for a few months, but these arrangements are often adaptable.

Dafydd Judd

The Essential Personal Touch

Personal trainer Dafydd Judd, based in Cardiff, said artificial intelligence can be useful to speed up progress, but is convinced it will not supplant the human connection and accountability that live training provides.

This expert, who has over a decade of experience as a trainer, specialises in older adults and injury rehabilitation. He mentioned a number of his clients also use technology.

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

"I think the more that people are connected digitally the more they'll want personal contact because they want the warmth from the comprehension that is missing from a machine," he added.

Dafydd said AI can educate users and make guidance more effective.

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

"No matter how helpful as it is at 2am, a computer cannot ensure you show up at 7am before work," Dafydd added.

For many, he suggested, the gym is a place to leave phones behind and take a break from technology.