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Leah Walsh

After a festive period filled with rich foods and downtime, many people head into January aiming to regain their fitness momentum.

However, is it possible that Artificial Intelligence be transforming the world of exercise by providing an alternative to human coaches?

Personalized Plans and Adaptable Schedules

Leah Walsh used an AI tool for last-minute training for the Cardiff Half Marathon.

This young woman hailing from Aberdare explained she appreciated the freedom to pose queries any time of day – a feature she believed was unavailable with a personal trainer.

She relied on an AI-driven running app that provided her personalised plans with audio coaching and speed targets for her inaugural half marathon in 2024.

She explained she requested it to design a regimen combining running and the weight training, and it generated an 11-week plan customized to her event day and goals.

Leah then tweaked the schedule to fit her lifestyle, which she said was convenient.

Subsequently, she chose a alternative application because it was cheaper and she could ask it questions whenever she wanted. She finished a minute faster than her target finish.

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

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

A weightlifter

Remarkable Fitness Gains

Meanwhile, Another individual, 23, from Swansea, has been employing AI for his exercise and nutrition programs, and reported he has never felt stronger, increasing his bench press from 70kg to 110kg.

He turned to a bot for assistance after being forced to walk a running event.

"I realized I need to get myself in shape," he commented.

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

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

The Cost Comparison: AI vs. Traditional Coaching

A recent study in late 2024 analyzed costs for 17 of the biggest fitness chains and found the average membership cost was around £38 per month, for standard memberships.

Fees ranged from £23 at the cheapest provider to £132 at the highest-priced.

Based on further data, fitness coaches determine their own fees, usually a range of thirty to sixty-five pounds per 45-60 minute session outside London and about £45-£65 in the capital.

Customers typically hire a trainer one or two times a week and work with them for a few months, however these arrangements are completely flexible.

Dafydd Judd

The Essential Personal Touch

Personal trainer one experienced professional, from the Welsh capital, said AI can be beneficial to speed up progress, but is convinced it will not supplant the personal interaction and accountability that in-person coaching provides.

This expert, who has over a decade of experience as a coach, specialises in older adults and injury rehabilitation. He mentioned a number of his trainees also employ AI.

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

"I think the more that people are online the more they'll desire human connection because they want the empathy from the comprehension that is missing from a computer," he continued.

Dafydd explained Artificial intelligence can inform users and make coaching more efficient.

But, he said real commitment comes when people show up physically for their sessions.

"No matter how helpful as it is at the middle of the night, a computer won't keep you accountable at early morning before work," Dafydd concluded.

In the view of many, he suggested, the fitness center is a space to disconnect from devices and stop being glued to screens.