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A runner

Following a festive period packed with rich foods and downtime, numerous individuals enter the new year looking to regain their fitness momentum.

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

Tailored Plans and Flexible Timelines

One fitness enthusiast employed an AI tool for last-minute preparation for the Cardiff Half Marathon.

This young woman from a town in Wales said she appreciated the liberty to ask it questions at all hours – something she felt was not possible with a traditional coach.

She relied on an AI-powered fitness application that gave her customized schedules with audio coaching and speed targets for her first half marathon in recent years.

She explained she requested it to create a regimen combining cardio and the gym, and it generated an multi-week programme tailored to her event day and goals.

Leah then tweaked the plan to suit her lifestyle, which she described was highly practical.

Subsequently, she chose a alternative application 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 noted she wanted to avoid the pressure from a human personal trainer.

"Using artificial intelligence you have to motivate yourself, which I actually prefer," she remarked.

Richard Gallimore

Remarkable Strength Gains

In a similar case, Another individual, 23, based in a Welsh city, has been employing AI for his exercise and nutrition programs, and reported he has achieved peak strength, boosting his bench press from a lower weight to 110kg.

Richard resorted to a bot for assistance after being unable to run a running event.

"I realized I had to sort myself out," he commented.

This no-cost application constructed a workout and diet plan tailored to his goals, and established structured routines.

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

The Expense Contrast: AI vs. Traditional Coaching

One recent survey in late 2024 analyzed costs for numerous of the largest gym brands and found the average membership cost was around £38 a month, for basic full-access plans.

Fees started at a lower price at the cheapest provider to £132 at the most expensive.

Based on industry research, fitness coaches set their own rates, typically a range of thirty to sixty-five pounds per 45-60 minute session outside London and about £45-£65 in London.

Clients will often hire a coach one or two times a week and work with them for a short period, however these agreements are completely flexible.

Dafydd Judd

The Essential Human Element

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

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 employ AI.

"I think it's extremely useful, additional information is good," he said.

"I think the more people are connected digitally the more they'll desire personal contact because they crave the warmth from the understanding that is missing from a machine," he added.

The trainer explained Artificial intelligence can inform clients and make guidance more efficient.

However, he argued real commitment comes when people show up physically 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," he added.

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