🔗 Share this article

A runner

Following a festive period packed with rich foods and downtime, many people head into January aiming to regain their fitness momentum.

But, is it possible that Artificial Intelligence be transforming the world of exercise by offering an alternative to human coaches?

Personalized Programs and Flexible Timelines

Leah Walsh employed an artificial intelligence application for impromptu preparation for the Cardiff Half Marathon.

This young woman from Aberdare said she liked the freedom to ask it questions at all hours – something she believed was unavailable with a traditional coach.

She used an AI-powered fitness application that provided her personalised plans with voice guidance and speed targets for her inaugural half marathon in 2024.

She explained she asked it to create a plan merging running and the weight training, and it produced an multi-week plan customized to her event day and goals.

The user then tweaked the schedule to fit her daily routine, which she described was highly practical.

Subsequently, she opted for a different tool 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 live instructor.

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

Richard Gallimore

Significant Fitness Improvements

In a similar case, Richard Gallimore, 23, from a Welsh city, has been employing AI for his fitness and diet plans, and said he has never felt stronger, boosting his chest press from a lower weight to a much heavier load.

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

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

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

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

The Expense Contrast: Technology vs. Traditional Training

One recent survey in late 2024 analyzed prices for 17 of the biggest fitness chains and found the average membership cost was around £38 per month, for standard memberships.

Fees ranged from a lower price at the most affordable provider to £132 at the most expensive.

According to industry research, personal trainers set their own rates, usually £30-£65 per hour-long session in most areas and about £45-£65 in the capital.

Customers typically hire a coach one or two times a week and work with them for a short period, however these agreements are often adaptable.

Dafydd Judd

The Essential Personal Element

Fitness coach one experienced professional, based in Cardiff, acknowledged AI can be useful to accelerate results, but is convinced it will not supplant the human connection and responsibility that live training offers.

The 37-year-old, who has over a decade of experience as a coach, focuses on senior clients and recovery from injuries. He mentioned some of his trainees also employ technology.

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

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

Dafydd said Artificial intelligence can educate clients and make coaching more efficient.

But, he said true dedication comes when people show up physically for their sessions.

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

In the view of many, he said, the gym is a space to leave phones behind and stop being glued to screens.