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A runner

Following a festive period packed with indulgent treats and relaxation, numerous individuals head into January looking to get their fitness back on track.

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

Tailored Programs and Adaptable Timelines

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

This young woman from Aberdare said she appreciated the freedom to pose queries at all hours – a feature she felt was unavailable with a personal trainer.

Leah relied on an AI-powered fitness application that provided her personalised plans with audio coaching and pace setting for her inaugural long-distance race in 2024.

She explained she requested it to create a regimen combining cardio and the weight training, and it generated an multi-week plan customized to her event day and objectives.

The user then tweaked the plan to suit her lifestyle, which she said was highly practical.

Subsequently, she chose a alternative application because it was more affordable and she could ask it questions at any time. She finished a minute faster than her target finish.

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

"With AI you have to motivate yourself, which I actually prefer," she remarked.

Richard Gallimore

Significant Fitness Improvements

In a similar case, Another individual, 23, from Swansea, has been employing AI for his exercise and nutrition programs, and said he has achieved peak strength, boosting his bench press from a lower weight to 110kg.

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

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

This no-cost application constructed a workout and diet plan tailored to his aims, and established organized workouts.

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

The Expense Comparison: AI vs. Conventional Training

A recent survey in late 2024 compared costs for numerous of the largest fitness chains and found the typical monthly fee was approximately forty pounds a month, for basic full-access plans.

Fees ranged from £23 at the cheapest provider to a premium rate at the highest-priced.

According to industry research, fitness coaches set their own rates, usually a range of thirty to sixty-five pounds per hour-long session outside London and about £45-£65 in the capital.

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

Dafydd Judd

The Essential Human Element

Fitness coach one experienced professional, from Cardiff, said AI can be useful to accelerate results, but believes it will not supplant the personal interaction and accountability that in-person coaching provides.

This expert, who has 12 years experience as a trainer, specialises in senior clients and recovery from injuries. He said some of his trainees also employ AI.

"In my opinion it's very valuable, additional information is good," he stated.

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

Dafydd explained AI can inform clients and make coaching more efficient.

But, he argued true dedication comes when people show up in person for training.

"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 added.

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