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Leah Walsh

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

However, could AI be transforming the world of exercise by providing an option to human coaches?

Tailored Programs and Adaptable Schedules

Leah Walsh used an AI tool for impromptu preparation for the Cardiff Half Marathon.

This young woman hailing from Aberdare said she appreciated the liberty to ask it questions at all hours – something she believed was not possible with a traditional coach.

She relied on an AI-driven fitness application that provided her customized schedules with voice guidance and pace setting for her first long-distance race in recent years.

She explained she asked it to design a regimen merging running and the gym, and it produced an 11-week plan tailored to her race date and goals.

The user then adjusted the schedule to suit her lifestyle, which she described was convenient.

The following year, she chose a alternative application because it was more affordable and she could consult it at any time. She finished a minute faster than her goal time.

She said she did not want feeling pressure from a human personal trainer.

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

Richard Gallimore

Significant Strength Gains

In a similar case, Another individual, 23, based in a Welsh city, has been employing AI for his fitness and diet plans, and said he has never felt stronger, boosting his bench press from 70kg to a much heavier load.

He turned to a bot for assistance after being unable to run a running event.

"I realized I need to sort myself out," he said.

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

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

The Cost Contrast: Technology vs. Traditional Coaching

One recent survey in late 2024 analyzed prices for 17 of the biggest fitness chains and found the typical monthly fee was approximately forty pounds per month, based on standard memberships.

Fees started at £23 at the most affordable provider to £132 at the highest-priced.

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

Customers will often use a coach once or twice a week and collaborate for a short period, however these arrangements are often adaptable.

A personal trainer

The Essential Personal Touch

Personal trainer Dafydd Judd, based in Cardiff, acknowledged artificial intelligence can be useful to speed up progress, but is convinced it will never replace the personal interaction and accountability that live training offers.

This expert, who has over a decade of experience as a trainer, specialises in older adults and recovery from injuries. He said a number of his trainees also use AI.

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

"I think the more people are online the more they'll want human connection because they want the warmth from the understanding that is absent from a machine," he added.

The trainer explained AI can educate users and make coaching more effective.

But, he said true dedication 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," he concluded.

For many, he suggested, the gym is a place to disconnect from devices and stop being glued to screens.