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Leah Walsh

After a festive period packed with rich foods and downtime, numerous individuals head into January looking to get their fitness back on track.

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

Personalized Programs and Flexible Schedules

Leah Walsh used an AI tool for impromptu preparation for the Cardiff Half Marathon.

This young woman from Aberdare said she liked the liberty 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 customized schedules with audio coaching and speed targets for her first long-distance race in recent years.

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

Leah then adjusted the plan to suit her daily routine, which she described was highly practical.

Subsequently, she opted for a alternative application because it was more affordable and she could ask it questions whenever she wanted. She finished a full minute quicker than her target finish.

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

"Using AI you have to find your own drive, which I quite like," she remarked.

A weightlifter

Significant Fitness Improvements

In a similar case, Another individual, 23, based in a Welsh city, has been employing AI for his fitness and diet plans, and said he has achieved peak strength, increasing his chest press from 70kg to a much heavier load.

He turned to a bot for help after being forced to walk a race.

"I just knew I had to get myself in shape," he commented.

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

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

The Expense Contrast: Technology vs. Conventional Coaching

A recent survey in late 2024 compared costs for 17 of the biggest fitness chains and found the typical monthly fee was approximately forty pounds per month, for basic memberships.

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

According to further data, personal trainers set their own rates, usually a range of thirty to sixty-five pounds per hour-long appointment in most areas and about £45-£65 in London.

Clients will often hire a coach one or two times a week and collaborate for a few months, however these agreements are completely flexible.

A personal trainer

The Irreplaceable Human Touch

Personal trainer Dafydd Judd, from the Welsh capital, acknowledged artificial intelligence can be beneficial to speed up progress, but is convinced it will never replace the human connection and responsibility that live training provides.

The 37-year-old, who has 12 years experience as a coach, specialises in older adults and recovery from injuries. He said a number of his trainees also use technology.

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

"I believe the more people are online the more they'll desire personal contact because they want the empathy from the understanding that is missing from a computer," he added.

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

But, he argued true dedication comes when people show up physically for their sessions.

"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 said, the gym is a space to leave phones behind and stop being glued to screens.