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Leah Walsh

After a holiday period packed with rich foods and downtime, many people enter January looking to regain their fitness momentum.

But, is it possible that AI be changing the world of exercise by offering an alternative to human coaches?

Tailored Plans and Adaptable Timelines

One fitness enthusiast employed an artificial intelligence application for last-minute preparation for the Cardiff Half Marathon.

The 21-year-old hailing from a town in Wales explained she liked the liberty to pose queries at all hours – something she felt was not possible with a personal trainer.

Leah used an AI-driven running app that gave her personalised plans with audio coaching and speed targets for her first long-distance race in recent years.

She explained she requested it to design a plan merging cardio and the gym, and it produced an 11-week programme customized to her event day and objectives.

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

Subsequently, she opted for a alternative application because it was cheaper and she could consult it at any time. Her result was a full minute quicker than her target finish.

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

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

A weightlifter

Significant Fitness Improvements

Meanwhile, Another individual, in his twenties, based in a Welsh city, has been using AI for his fitness and diet plans, and reported he has never felt stronger, boosting his chest press from a lower weight to 110kg.

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

"I just knew I had to sort myself out," he said.

This no-cost application built a fitness and meal program personalized to his goals, and created organized workouts.

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

The Cost Comparison: Technology vs. Traditional Coaching

One recent study in late 2024 analyzed prices for numerous of the biggest gym brands and found the typical monthly fee was around £38 per month, for standard full-access plans.

Fees started at a lower price at the cheapest provider to a premium rate at the most expensive.

According to further data, personal trainers set their own rates, typically a range of thirty to sixty-five pounds per 45-60 minute session in most areas and about £45-£65 in London.

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

A personal trainer

The Essential Human Touch

Fitness coach Dafydd Judd, from the Welsh capital, said artificial intelligence can be beneficial to speed up progress, but believes it will not supplant the personal interaction and responsibility that live training provides.

This expert, who has over a decade of experience as a coach, focuses on senior clients and injury rehabilitation. He mentioned some of his clients also employ technology.

"In my opinion it's extremely useful, more knowledge is positive," he said.

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

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

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

"As useful as it is at the middle of the night, a computer cannot ensure you show up at early morning before work," he added.

In the view of many, he said, the fitness center is a space to disconnect from devices and take a break from technology.