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Leah Walsh

After a festive period packed with indulgent treats and relaxation, numerous individuals head into January aiming to get their fitness back on track.

But, could AI be changing the world of exercise by providing an alternative to human coaches?

Personalized Plans and Flexible Schedules

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

This young woman hailing from a town in Wales said she liked the liberty to pose queries at all hours – something she believed was unavailable with a traditional coach.

Leah used an AI-driven running app that gave her customized schedules with audio coaching and pace setting for her inaugural half marathon in recent years.

She explained she requested it to design a plan combining running and the weight training, and it generated an multi-week plan tailored to her race date and goals.

Leah then tweaked the plan to fit her lifestyle, which she said was highly practical.

The following year, she chose a different tool because it was cheaper and she could ask it questions whenever she wanted. Her result was a minute faster than her target finish.

She noted she wanted to avoid feeling pressure from a live instructor.

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

Richard Gallimore

Remarkable Fitness Gains

Meanwhile, Richard Gallimore, 23, from a Welsh city, has been using AI for his exercise and nutrition programs, and reported he has never felt stronger, boosting his chest press from 70kg to a much heavier load.

He turned to a AI assistant for help after being unable to run a race.

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

The free tool built a workout and diet plan personalized to his aims, and established structured routines.

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

The Expense Comparison: Technology vs. Conventional Coaching

A recent study in late 2024 compared prices for numerous of the biggest fitness chains and found the typical monthly fee was around £38 a month, based on basic full-access plans.

Fees started at a lower price at the most affordable chain to £132 at the most expensive.

Based on further data, fitness coaches set their own rates, usually £30-£65 per hour-long session outside London and about a similar range in London.

Clients typically use a trainer one or two times a week and collaborate for a few months, however these agreements are often adaptable.

Dafydd Judd

The Essential Personal Element

Fitness coach one experienced professional, based in Cardiff, acknowledged artificial intelligence can be beneficial to accelerate results, but is convinced it will never replace the personal interaction and accountability that live training provides.

This expert, who has 12 years experience as a trainer, specialises in senior clients and injury rehabilitation. He mentioned a number of his clients also employ AI.

"I think it's extremely useful, more knowledge is good," he said.

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

Dafydd explained Artificial intelligence can educate users and make guidance more efficient.

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

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

In the view of many, he suggested, the gym is a place to leave phones behind and stop being glued to screens.