🔗 Share this article

A runner

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

But, could Artificial Intelligence be transforming the world of exercise by providing an option to human coaches?

Personalized Plans and Flexible Timelines

Leah Walsh employed an AI tool for last-minute preparation for the a major running event.

The 21-year-old from Aberdare explained she appreciated the liberty 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 pace setting for her inaugural long-distance race in recent years.

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

The user then tweaked the plan to fit her daily routine, which she described was convenient.

The following year, she opted for a alternative application because it was cheaper and she could consult it at any time. She finished a full minute quicker than her target finish.

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

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

Richard Gallimore

Remarkable Strength Improvements

Meanwhile, Another individual, in his twenties, based in Swansea, has been employing AI for his exercise and nutrition programs, and reported he has achieved peak strength, boosting his chest press from 70kg to a much heavier load.

He turned to a AI assistant for help after being forced to walk a running event.

"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 established structured routines.

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

The Expense Contrast: Technology vs. Traditional Coaching

A recent study in late 2024 compared prices for numerous of the biggest fitness chains and found the average membership cost was around £38 a month, based on standard memberships.

Prices ranged from a lower price at the most affordable provider to a premium rate at the highest-priced.

Based on industry research, fitness coaches determine their own fees, typically £30-£65 per hour-long appointment outside London and about a similar range in London.

Customers will often use a trainer one or two times a week and work with them for a short period, however these arrangements are often adaptable.

Dafydd Judd

The Essential Personal Touch

Personal trainer one experienced professional, from Cardiff, acknowledged AI can be useful to speed up progress, but is convinced it will not supplant the personal interaction and responsibility that live training provides.

This expert, who has over a decade of experience as a trainer, focuses on older adults and injury rehabilitation. He said a number of his clients also employ technology.

"In my opinion it's extremely useful, additional information is positive," he stated.

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

Dafydd explained Artificial intelligence can educate clients and make coaching more effective.

But, he said real commitment comes when people show up physically for training.

"No matter how helpful as it is at 2am, a computer cannot ensure you show up at early morning before work," Dafydd added.

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