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A runner

After a festive period filled with indulgent treats and downtime, many people head into January aiming to get their fitness back on track.

However, is it possible that AI be changing the fitness industry by providing an alternative to human coaches?

Personalized Programs and Adaptable Schedules

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

This young woman from a town in Wales explained she liked the freedom to ask it questions any time of day – a feature she believed was not possible with a personal trainer.

Leah relied on an AI-powered fitness application that gave her personalised plans with audio coaching and speed targets for her first half marathon in 2024.

She said she asked it to create a regimen combining cardio and the gym, and it generated an 11-week programme customized to her race date and objectives.

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

Subsequently, she chose a different tool because it was more affordable and she could ask it questions whenever she wanted. Her result was a minute faster than her goal time.

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

"Using AI you have to motivate yourself, which I actually prefer," she added.

A weightlifter

Significant Strength Gains

Meanwhile, Another individual, 23, from a Welsh city, has been using AI for his exercise and nutrition programs, and reported he has achieved peak strength, increasing his bench press from 70kg to a much heavier load.

He resorted to a AI assistant for assistance after being forced to walk a race.

"I realized I need to sort myself out," he said.

The free tool constructed a workout and diet plan tailored to his aims, and created organized workouts.

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

The Cost Comparison: Technology vs. Traditional Training

A recent study in late 2024 compared costs for 17 of the biggest fitness chains and found the average membership cost was approximately forty pounds per month, for basic full-access plans.

Prices started at £23 at the cheapest provider to a premium rate at the most expensive.

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

Customers typically hire a coach one or two times a week and work with them for a short period, but these arrangements are completely flexible.

A personal trainer

The Essential Personal Touch

Fitness coach one experienced professional, from Cardiff, acknowledged artificial intelligence can be useful to speed up progress, but believes it will never replace the personal interaction and accountability that in-person coaching provides.

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 very valuable, more knowledge is good," he said.

"I think the more people are online the more they'll want human connection because they crave the warmth from the understanding that is absent from a machine," he added.

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

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

"No matter how helpful as it is at 2am, a computer won't keep you accountable at 7am before work," he added.

For many, he suggested, the fitness center is a place to disconnect from devices and take a break from technology.