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Leah Walsh

Following a festive period filled with rich foods and relaxation, many people head into January aiming to get their fitness back on track.

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

Tailored Programs and Adaptable Schedules

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

The 21-year-old from Aberdare said she liked the liberty to ask it questions at all hours – a feature she felt was unavailable with a traditional coach.

Leah used an AI-driven running app that gave her customized schedules with voice guidance and pace setting for her first half marathon in 2024.

She said she requested it to create a regimen merging 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 lifestyle, which she described was convenient.

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 goal time.

She said she did not want the pressure from a live instructor.

"Using artificial intelligence you have to find your own drive, which I actually prefer," she added.

Richard Gallimore

Remarkable Strength Gains

In a similar case, Another individual, 23, based in Swansea, has been using AI for his fitness and diet plans, and reported he has achieved peak strength, increasing his chest press from a lower weight to a much heavier load.

Richard resorted to a bot for assistance after being forced to walk a race.

"I realized I need to get myself in shape," he said.

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

"I work out for about two hours a day and I've seen a real difference," he added.

The Cost Contrast: AI vs. Traditional Training

A recent study in late 2024 compared costs for numerous of the largest fitness chains and found the average membership cost was around £38 a month, for standard full-access plans.

Prices ranged from £23 at the cheapest chain to £132 at the most expensive.

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

Clients typically use a trainer one or two times a week and work with them for a few months, but these agreements are often adaptable.

Dafydd Judd

The Essential Human Touch

Personal trainer one experienced professional, from the Welsh capital, acknowledged artificial intelligence can be useful to accelerate results, but is convinced it will never replace the personal interaction and responsibility that live training provides.

This expert, who has over a decade of experience as a coach, focuses on older adults and recovery from injuries. He said some of his trainees also use AI.

"I think it's extremely useful, more knowledge is positive," he stated.

"I believe the more people are online the more they'll want personal contact because they crave the empathy from the comprehension that is absent from a machine," he added.

The trainer said AI can educate users and make coaching more efficient.

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

"As useful as it is at the middle of the night, a computer won't keep you accountable at early morning before work," he added.

In the view of many, he said, the gym is a place to disconnect from devices and stop being glued to screens.