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Leah Walsh

Following a holiday period packed with indulgent treats and relaxation, numerous individuals enter January aiming to get their fitness back on track.

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

Personalized Plans and Adaptable Schedules

Leah Walsh 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 freedom to pose queries any time of day – a feature she believed was unavailable with a traditional coach.

Leah used an AI-powered fitness application that gave her personalised plans with audio coaching and pace setting for her inaugural long-distance race in 2024.

She said she requested it to create a regimen merging running and the gym, and it produced an 11-week plan tailored to her race date and goals.

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

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

She said she did not want feeling pressure from a human personal trainer.

"With artificial intelligence you have to find your own drive, which I actually prefer," she remarked.

Richard Gallimore

Significant Fitness Improvements

Meanwhile, Richard Gallimore, in his twenties, based in a Welsh city, has been using artificial intelligence for his fitness and diet plans, and said he has achieved peak strength, increasing his chest press from a lower weight to 110kg.

He turned to a AI assistant for assistance after being unable to run a running event.

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

This no-cost application constructed a fitness and meal program personalized to his goals, and created structured routines.

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

The Expense Comparison: Technology vs. Traditional Coaching

One recent survey in late 2024 compared costs for numerous of the biggest fitness chains and found the average membership cost was approximately forty pounds per month, based on basic memberships.

Prices started at a lower price at the cheapest chain to a premium rate at the most expensive.

Based on further data, fitness coaches set their own rates, usually £30-£65 per 45-60 minute session in most areas and about a similar range in London.

Clients typically use a trainer once or twice a week and work with them for a few months, however these agreements are completely flexible.

A personal trainer

The Essential Human Touch

Personal trainer Dafydd Judd, from Cardiff, acknowledged artificial intelligence can be useful to speed up progress, but believes it will never replace the human connection and accountability that live training provides.

The 37-year-old, who has over a decade of experience as a trainer, focuses on senior clients and injury rehabilitation. He mentioned some of his clients also employ AI.

"In my opinion it's very valuable, additional information is positive," he said.

"I think the more people are connected digitally the more they'll want human connection because they want the empathy from the understanding that is missing from a computer," he added.

The trainer explained AI can inform clients and make guidance more effective.

But, he argued true dedication comes when people appear physically for training.

"As useful as it is at the middle of the night, a digital tool won't keep you accountable at early morning before work," he added.

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