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A runner

Following a festive period filled with indulgent treats and downtime, many people enter January aiming to regain their fitness momentum.

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

Personalized Plans and Flexible Timelines

Leah Walsh employed an artificial intelligence application for impromptu training 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 personal trainer.

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

She explained she asked it to design a regimen merging cardio and the weight training, and it produced an 11-week programme tailored to her event day and goals.

Leah then tweaked the schedule to fit her lifestyle, which she described was highly practical.

The following year, she chose a alternative application because it was cheaper and she could ask it questions whenever she wanted. Her result was a minute faster than her target finish.

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

"Using AI you have to motivate yourself, which I quite like," she added.

A weightlifter

Significant Fitness Gains

Meanwhile, Richard Gallimore, 23, based in a Welsh city, has been using AI for his exercise and nutrition programs, and said he has never felt stronger, boosting his chest press from a lower weight to 110kg.

Richard turned to a bot for assistance after being unable to run a race.

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

This no-cost application built a workout and diet plan personalized to his aims, and created organized workouts.

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

The Expense Comparison: Technology vs. Traditional Coaching

One recent study in late 2024 analyzed prices for 17 of the largest fitness chains and found the typical monthly fee was approximately forty pounds a month, for standard memberships.

Prices ranged from a lower price at the most affordable provider to £132 at the highest-priced.

Based on further data, fitness coaches determine their own fees, usually £30-£65 per hour-long appointment outside London and about a similar range in the capital.

Customers typically hire a coach one or two times a week and collaborate for a few months, however these agreements are often adaptable.

A personal trainer

The Essential Personal Touch

Personal trainer one experienced professional, based in the Welsh capital, said AI can be beneficial to speed up progress, but is convinced it will never replace the human connection and accountability that in-person coaching offers.

The 37-year-old, who has 12 years experience as a trainer, focuses on senior clients and injury rehabilitation. He said some of his clients also use technology.

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

"I believe the more people are online the more they'll desire personal contact because they crave the empathy from the understanding that is absent from a machine," he continued.

The trainer explained Artificial intelligence can educate users and make coaching more effective.

However, he argued true dedication comes when people appear in person for training.

"As useful as it is at 2am, a computer won't keep you accountable at 7am before work," Dafydd added.

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