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A runner

After a holiday period filled with rich foods and downtime, many people enter the new year looking to regain their fitness momentum.

However, could Artificial Intelligence be transforming the world of exercise by offering an alternative to human coaches?

Personalized Plans and Flexible Schedules

Leah Walsh used an AI tool for impromptu training for the a major running event.

The 21-year-old hailing from Aberdare explained she appreciated the freedom to ask it questions any time of day – a feature she believed was unavailable with a traditional coach.

She relied on an AI-driven running app that gave her personalised plans with audio coaching and pace setting for her inaugural long-distance race in recent years.

She said she requested it to create a plan combining running and the weight training, and it produced an 11-week plan customized to her race date and objectives.

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

The following year, she chose a different tool because it was more affordable and she could consult it at any time. She finished a minute faster than her goal time.

She noted she did not want feeling pressure from a live instructor.

"With artificial intelligence you have to find your own drive, which I quite like," she added.

Richard Gallimore

Remarkable Fitness Improvements

Meanwhile, Richard Gallimore, in his twenties, from Swansea, has been employing artificial intelligence for his exercise and nutrition programs, and reported he has achieved peak strength, boosting his chest press from a lower weight to a much heavier load.

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

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

This no-cost application built a fitness and meal program personalized to his aims, and created 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. Conventional Training

One recent survey in late 2024 analyzed prices for 17 of the biggest gym brands and found the typical monthly fee was approximately forty pounds a month, for standard memberships.

Fees started at £23 at the cheapest chain to £132 at the most expensive.

Based on industry research, personal trainers determine their own fees, usually a range of thirty to sixty-five pounds per 45-60 minute session outside London and about a similar range in London.

Customers typically hire a trainer one or two times a week and collaborate for a few months, but these arrangements are completely flexible.

Dafydd Judd

The Essential Personal Touch

Fitness coach one experienced professional, from Cardiff, acknowledged AI can be beneficial to speed up progress, but is convinced it will not supplant the personal interaction and responsibility that live training provides.

The 37-year-old, who has 12 years experience as a coach, specialises in senior clients and recovery from injuries. He said some of his trainees also employ technology.

"In my opinion it's very valuable, more knowledge is good," he said.

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

Dafydd said Artificial intelligence can educate users and make coaching more efficient.

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

"As useful as it is at 2am, a digital tool cannot ensure you show up at early morning before work," Dafydd concluded.

In the view of many, he said, the gym is a place to disconnect from devices and take a break from technology.