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A runner

After a festive period packed with indulgent treats and relaxation, numerous individuals enter January looking to regain their fitness momentum.

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

Personalized Programs and Flexible Timelines

Leah Walsh employed an artificial intelligence application for impromptu preparation for the Cardiff Half Marathon.

The 21-year-old from Aberdare explained she liked the liberty to ask it questions any time of day – something she felt was unavailable with a traditional coach.

She used an AI-driven fitness application that gave her customized schedules with voice guidance and pace setting for her inaugural long-distance race in recent years.

She said she requested it to design a plan merging running and the weight training, and it generated an 11-week programme tailored to her race date and goals.

Leah then adjusted the plan to fit her daily routine, which she said was highly practical.

Subsequently, she chose a different tool because it was more affordable and she could ask it questions at any time. She finished a full minute quicker than her goal time.

She said she wanted to avoid the pressure from a human personal trainer.

"With artificial intelligence you have to motivate yourself, which I quite like," she remarked.

A weightlifter

Significant Strength Improvements

Meanwhile, Another individual, in his twenties, from a Welsh city, has been using AI for his exercise and nutrition programs, and reported he has achieved peak strength, boosting his chest press from a lower weight to 110kg.

Richard turned to a AI assistant for help after being forced to walk a race.

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

This no-cost application built a fitness and meal program tailored to his goals, and established organized workouts.

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

The Cost Comparison: Technology vs. Traditional Coaching

A recent survey in late 2024 analyzed costs for numerous of the largest gym brands and found the typical monthly fee was around £38 per month, for standard memberships.

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

Based on industry research, personal trainers determine their own fees, typically £30-£65 per hour-long appointment outside London and about a similar range in the capital.

Clients typically hire a coach once or twice a week and collaborate for a short period, but these agreements are completely flexible.

Dafydd Judd

The Irreplaceable Personal Element

Fitness coach Dafydd Judd, based in the Welsh capital, said AI can be useful to accelerate results, but believes it will not supplant the human connection and responsibility that live training provides.

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

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

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

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

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

"As useful as it is at the middle of the night, a computer cannot ensure you show up at early morning before work," Dafydd concluded.

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