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A runner

After a festive period packed with indulgent treats and downtime, many people head into the new year aiming to regain their fitness momentum.

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

Tailored Plans and Adaptable Timelines

Leah Walsh employed an artificial intelligence application for impromptu preparation for the a major running event.

This young woman hailing from a town in Wales explained she liked the liberty to pose queries any time of day – something she felt was unavailable with a personal trainer.

She relied on an AI-powered fitness application that gave her personalised plans with voice guidance and pace setting for her inaugural half marathon in recent years.

She explained she requested it to design a plan merging cardio and the weight training, and it produced an multi-week programme customized to her event day and objectives.

Leah then tweaked the schedule to suit her daily routine, which she described was highly practical.

The following year, she chose a alternative application because it was more affordable and she could ask it questions at any time. Her result was a full minute quicker than her goal time.

She said she wanted to avoid feeling pressure from a live instructor.

"Using artificial intelligence you have to find your own drive, which I quite like," she added.

Richard Gallimore

Remarkable Strength Gains

In a similar case, Another individual, 23, based in Swansea, has been using artificial intelligence for his exercise and nutrition programs, and reported he has never felt stronger, increasing his bench press from 70kg to 110kg.

He resorted to a AI assistant for assistance after being forced to walk a running event.

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

This no-cost application constructed a fitness and meal program personalized to his aims, and created structured routines.

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

The Expense Comparison: Technology vs. Conventional Training

A recent survey in late 2024 analyzed prices for numerous of the biggest fitness chains and found the typical monthly fee was approximately forty pounds per month, for basic memberships.

Fees ranged from £23 at the cheapest provider to £132 at the highest-priced.

According to industry research, fitness coaches set their own rates, usually £30-£65 per 45-60 minute appointment outside London and about £45-£65 in the capital.

Customers will often hire a trainer once or twice a week and work with them for a few months, but 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 believes it will never replace the personal interaction and responsibility that live training provides.

The 37-year-old, who has 12 years experience as a coach, specialises in older adults and recovery from injuries. He said a number of his trainees also use AI.

"I think it's very valuable, more knowledge is good," he said.

"I believe the more people are connected digitally the more they'll desire human connection because they crave the empathy from the understanding that is missing from a machine," he added.

Dafydd explained AI can inform users and make guidance more efficient.

But, he said true dedication comes when people appear physically for training.

"No matter how helpful as it is at the middle of the night, a digital tool cannot ensure you show up at 7am before work," Dafydd added.

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