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A runner

After a holiday period filled with rich foods and downtime, numerous individuals head into January aiming to get their fitness back on track.

But, could Artificial Intelligence be changing the fitness industry by providing an option to human coaches?

Tailored Plans and Flexible Timelines

One fitness enthusiast employed an AI tool for impromptu training for the a major running event.

The 21-year-old hailing from Aberdare said she liked the freedom to pose queries any time of day – a feature she believed was not possible with a traditional coach.

Leah relied on an AI-driven fitness application that provided her personalised plans with audio coaching and pace setting for her first half marathon in 2024.

She explained she asked it to create a regimen combining cardio and the weight training, and it produced an multi-week programme 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 alternative application because it was cheaper 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 quite like," she remarked.

A weightlifter

Significant Strength Improvements

In a similar case, Richard Gallimore, in his twenties, based in a Welsh city, has been employing artificial intelligence for his exercise and nutrition programs, and said he has achieved peak strength, increasing his bench press from 70kg to a much heavier load.

Richard 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 workout and diet plan personalized to his aims, and created structured routines.

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

The Cost Comparison: Technology vs. Conventional Training

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

Fees ranged from £23 at the most affordable provider to £132 at the most expensive.

Based on further data, personal trainers set their own rates, typically a range of thirty to sixty-five pounds per hour-long appointment in most areas and about a similar range in London.

Clients will often 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 Essential Human Touch

Fitness coach one experienced professional, based in the Welsh capital, acknowledged AI can be useful to accelerate results, but believes it will not supplant the personal interaction and accountability that live training offers.

The 37-year-old, who has over a decade of experience as a coach, specialises in older adults and recovery from injuries. He said a number of his clients also use AI.

"I think it's very valuable, more knowledge is positive," he stated.

"I believe the more people are connected digitally the more they'll desire personal contact because they want the warmth from the understanding that is missing from a machine," he continued.

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

However, he said true dedication comes when people show up physically for their sessions.

"As useful as it is at 2am, a computer won't keep you accountable at early morning before work," he added.

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