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A runner

Following a festive period filled with indulgent treats and downtime, numerous individuals enter the new year aiming to regain their fitness momentum.

But, could AI be changing the fitness industry by offering an alternative to human coaches?

Tailored Plans and Adaptable Timelines

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

The 21-year-old from a town in Wales said she liked the liberty to ask it questions at all hours – something she felt was not possible with a traditional coach.

She relied on an AI-driven running app that gave her personalised plans with voice guidance and speed targets for her first half marathon in recent years.

She said she asked it to create a regimen combining cardio and the gym, and it generated an 11-week plan tailored to her event day and objectives.

The user then adjusted the plan to suit her lifestyle, which she said was highly practical.

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

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

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

A weightlifter

Significant Fitness Gains

In a similar case, Richard Gallimore, in his twenties, from a Welsh city, has been using artificial intelligence for his exercise and nutrition programs, and said he has never felt stronger, increasing his chest press from a lower weight to 110kg.

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

"I just knew I need to sort myself out," he commented.

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

"I train for about two hours a day and I've seen a real difference," he said.

The Cost Contrast: AI vs. Traditional Coaching

One recent survey in the previous year analyzed prices for 17 of the biggest gym brands and found the typical monthly fee was approximately forty pounds a month, based on standard full-access plans.

Fees ranged from a lower price at the cheapest chain to a premium rate at the most expensive.

Based on industry research, personal trainers set their own rates, usually £30-£65 per 45-60 minute appointment in most areas and about a similar range in London.

Customers will often use a trainer one or two times a week and work with them for a few months, but these arrangements are often adaptable.

A personal trainer

The Essential Human Touch

Personal trainer one experienced professional, from the Welsh capital, said artificial intelligence can be useful to accelerate results, but believes it will never replace the human connection and responsibility that live training provides.

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

"I think it's very valuable, additional information is good," he said.

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

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

However, he said real commitment comes when people appear in person for their sessions.

"As useful as it is at 2am, a digital tool won't keep you accountable at 7am before work," he concluded.

In the view of many, he said, the gym is a space to leave phones behind and take a break from technology.