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A runner

After a festive period filled with rich foods and downtime, many people enter January looking to regain their fitness momentum.

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

Personalized Programs and Flexible Timelines

Leah Walsh employed an AI tool for impromptu preparation for the a major running event.

This young woman hailing from Aberdare said she appreciated the freedom to pose queries at all hours – a feature she felt was unavailable with a traditional coach.

Leah relied on an AI-driven running app that gave her customized schedules with voice guidance and pace setting for her first half marathon in recent years.

She said she requested it to design a regimen merging running and the gym, and it produced an multi-week programme customized to her event day and objectives.

Leah then tweaked the plan to fit her daily routine, which she said was convenient.

The following year, she opted for a alternative application because it was more affordable and she could ask it questions at any time. Her result was a full minute quicker than her target finish.

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

"With artificial intelligence you have to find your own drive, which I quite like," she added.

Richard Gallimore

Remarkable Fitness Gains

In a similar case, Richard Gallimore, 23, from Swansea, has been employing AI for his fitness and diet plans, and reported he has achieved peak strength, boosting his chest press from a lower weight to a much heavier load.

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

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

This no-cost application built a workout and diet plan tailored to his aims, and created structured routines.

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

The Cost Comparison: AI vs. Conventional Training

One recent survey in late 2024 compared prices for numerous of the biggest gym brands and found the average membership cost was approximately forty pounds a month, for basic full-access plans.

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

According to industry research, fitness coaches determine their own fees, usually £30-£65 per hour-long appointment outside London and about £45-£65 in London.

Clients will often hire a coach once or twice a week and collaborate for a few months, however these arrangements are completely flexible.

Dafydd Judd

The Irreplaceable Personal Touch

Personal trainer one experienced professional, from the Welsh capital, acknowledged AI can be beneficial to accelerate results, but believes it will never replace the human connection and accountability that live training offers.

The 37-year-old, who has 12 years experience as a coach, focuses on older adults and injury rehabilitation. He mentioned a number of his trainees also use AI.

"In my opinion it's extremely useful, more knowledge is good," he stated.

"I believe the more people are connected digitally the more they'll desire human connection because they want the warmth from the understanding that is missing from a machine," he continued.

Dafydd explained Artificial intelligence can educate users and make coaching more efficient.

However, he argued real commitment comes when people appear physically for training.

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

In the view of many, he said, the fitness center is a place to leave phones behind and take a break from technology.