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A runner

Following a holiday period packed with indulgent treats and downtime, many people enter January aiming to get their fitness back on track.

But, is it possible that AI be transforming the world of exercise by offering an option to human coaches?

Tailored Plans and Adaptable Schedules

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

The 21-year-old hailing from a town in Wales explained she appreciated the freedom to pose queries at all hours – a feature she believed was not possible with a traditional coach.

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

She said she asked it to create a plan merging running and the weight training, and it produced an 11-week plan customized to her event day and goals.

Leah then adjusted the plan to fit her daily routine, which she said was highly practical.

The following year, she opted for a alternative application because it was cheaper and she could ask it questions whenever she wanted. Her result was a full minute quicker than her goal time.

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

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

Richard Gallimore

Significant Strength Improvements

Meanwhile, Richard Gallimore, in his twenties, based in a Welsh city, has been employing AI for his fitness and diet plans, and reported he has never felt stronger, increasing his bench press from 70kg to a much heavier load.

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

"I realized I had to get myself in shape," he commented.

This no-cost application constructed a workout and diet plan personalized to his goals, and established structured routines.

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

The Expense Contrast: Technology vs. Traditional Coaching

One recent study in late 2024 compared costs for 17 of the largest 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 most expensive.

Based on further data, fitness coaches set their own rates, typically a range of thirty to sixty-five pounds per hour-long session outside London and about £45-£65 in London.

Customers typically use a trainer once or twice a week and work with them for a few months, however these arrangements are often adaptable.

Dafydd Judd

The Essential Personal Touch

Fitness coach one experienced professional, from the Welsh capital, acknowledged AI can be useful to speed up progress, but believes it will never replace the human connection and responsibility that in-person coaching offers.

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

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

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

Dafydd said Artificial intelligence can educate clients and make guidance more effective.

But, he argued real commitment comes when people appear physically for their sessions.

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

For many, he suggested, the fitness center is a space to leave phones behind and take a break from technology.