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Leah Walsh

Following a festive period filled with rich foods and relaxation, many people head into the new year aiming to regain their fitness momentum.

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

Tailored Programs and Adaptable Timelines

One fitness enthusiast used an AI tool for impromptu preparation for the Cardiff Half Marathon.

This young woman from Aberdare explained she appreciated the liberty to pose queries at all hours – something she believed was not possible with a traditional coach.

Leah relied on an AI-powered running app that provided her personalised plans with voice guidance and speed targets for her first long-distance race in recent years.

She said she requested it to create a regimen combining cardio and the gym, and it produced an multi-week plan customized to her race date and goals.

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

The following year, she chose a different tool because it was cheaper and she could consult it at any time. Her result was a minute faster than her target finish.

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

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

Richard Gallimore

Significant Strength Improvements

In a similar case, Another individual, in his twenties, from Swansea, has been employing AI for his exercise and nutrition programs, and said he has never felt stronger, boosting his chest press from a lower weight to a much heavier load.

He turned to a AI assistant for help after being unable to run a race.

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

This no-cost application built a workout and diet plan personalized to his aims, and established organized workouts.

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

The Expense Comparison: AI vs. Conventional Training

One recent study in late 2024 compared costs for 17 of the largest fitness chains and found the average membership cost was approximately forty pounds per month, for basic memberships.

Fees ranged from £23 at the most affordable chain to £132 at the highest-priced.

According to further data, personal trainers set their own rates, typically a range of thirty to sixty-five pounds per hour-long appointment in most areas and about a similar range in London.

Clients typically hire a trainer once or twice a week and collaborate for a few months, however these agreements are completely flexible.

Dafydd Judd

The Essential Human Touch

Fitness coach Dafydd Judd, from the Welsh capital, said artificial intelligence can be beneficial to speed up progress, but is convinced it will not supplant the personal interaction and responsibility that in-person coaching offers.

The 37-year-old, who has over a decade of experience as a trainer, specialises in older adults and injury rehabilitation. He said some of his clients also use AI.

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

"I believe the more people are online the more they'll desire human connection because they want the warmth from the understanding that is absent from a computer," he continued.

The trainer said Artificial intelligence can inform clients and make coaching more efficient.

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

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

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