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A runner

After a festive period packed with indulgent treats and downtime, numerous individuals enter January aiming to regain their fitness momentum.

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

Tailored Plans and Flexible Schedules

Leah Walsh employed an AI tool for last-minute preparation for the Cardiff Half Marathon.

This young woman hailing from Aberdare said she liked the freedom to ask it questions any time of day – a feature she believed was unavailable with a personal trainer.

She used an AI-powered fitness application that gave her personalised plans with audio coaching and speed targets for her first long-distance race in 2024.

She explained she asked it to design a regimen merging running and the weight training, and it produced an multi-week plan tailored to her race date and objectives.

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

Subsequently, she opted for a alternative application because it was more affordable and she could ask it questions whenever she wanted. She finished a minute faster than her goal time.

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

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

A weightlifter

Significant Strength Improvements

Meanwhile, Another individual, in his twenties, from Swansea, has been employing artificial intelligence for his exercise and nutrition programs, and said he has never felt stronger, increasing his bench press from a lower weight to a much heavier load.

He resorted to a bot for assistance after being unable to run a race.

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

This no-cost application built a fitness and meal program personalized to his aims, and created organized workouts.

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

The Cost Contrast: AI vs. Conventional Training

A recent study in late 2024 analyzed prices for 17 of the largest gym brands and found the average membership cost was approximately forty pounds a month, for basic memberships.

Prices started at £23 at the cheapest chain to a premium rate at the most expensive.

According to industry research, fitness coaches determine their own fees, usually £30-£65 per 45-60 minute session in most areas and about a similar range in London.

Clients typically use a coach once or twice a week and work with them for a few months, but these agreements are completely flexible.

A personal trainer

The Essential Personal Element

Personal trainer one experienced professional, based in the Welsh capital, acknowledged AI can be useful to speed up progress, but believes it will never replace the personal interaction and responsibility that live training offers.

This expert, who has 12 years experience as a trainer, focuses on older adults and injury rehabilitation. He said some of his clients also employ AI.

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

"I think the more people are online the more they'll want personal contact because they want the warmth from the understanding that is absent from a computer," he continued.

Dafydd said AI can inform clients and make guidance more efficient.

However, he argued real commitment comes when people show up in person for their sessions.

"No matter how helpful as it is at the middle of the night, a digital tool won't keep you accountable at early morning before work," Dafydd concluded.

In the view of many, he suggested, the gym is a space to leave phones behind and take a break from technology.