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Leah Walsh

After a festive period packed with rich foods and relaxation, many people head into the new year looking to regain their fitness momentum.

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

Tailored Plans and Flexible Schedules

One fitness enthusiast employed an artificial intelligence application for impromptu training for the a major running event.

The 21-year-old hailing from Aberdare explained she liked the liberty to pose queries any time of day – a feature she felt was not possible with a traditional coach.

Leah used an AI-driven fitness application that provided her personalised plans with audio coaching and pace setting for her inaugural half marathon in recent years.

She said she asked it to design a regimen combining cardio and the weight training, and it produced an 11-week plan customized to her event day and goals.

The user then adjusted the schedule to suit her daily routine, which she said was convenient.

The following year, she chose a alternative application because it was more affordable and she could ask it questions whenever she wanted. Her result was a minute faster than her goal time.

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

"With AI you have to motivate yourself, which I quite like," she added.

Richard Gallimore

Remarkable Fitness Gains

Meanwhile, Another individual, 23, based in a Welsh city, has been using artificial intelligence for his fitness and diet plans, and reported he has achieved peak strength, boosting his bench press from 70kg to 110kg.

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

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

The free tool built a fitness and meal program personalized to his aims, and created structured routines.

"I work out for about 120 minutes a day and I've seen a real difference," he said.

The Expense Comparison: Technology vs. Conventional Coaching

A recent study in late 2024 compared prices for numerous of the largest fitness chains and found the typical monthly fee was around £38 per month, based on basic memberships.

Prices ranged from £23 at the cheapest chain to £132 at the highest-priced.

Based on further data, personal trainers determine their own fees, usually a range of thirty to sixty-five pounds per 45-60 minute appointment in most areas and about £45-£65 in the capital.

Customers will often hire a coach once or twice a week and work with them for a few months, but these arrangements are often adaptable.

Dafydd Judd

The Irreplaceable Human Element

Fitness coach Dafydd Judd, from the Welsh capital, said AI can be useful to accelerate results, but believes it will never replace the personal interaction 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 recovery from injuries. He said some of his trainees also employ technology.

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

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

Dafydd said Artificial intelligence can educate users and make guidance more effective.

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

"No matter how helpful 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 gym is a space to disconnect from devices and take a break from technology.