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Leah Walsh

After a holiday period filled with rich foods and relaxation, numerous individuals head into January aiming to get their fitness back on track.

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

Tailored Programs and Flexible Schedules

One fitness enthusiast used an artificial intelligence application for impromptu preparation for the a major running event.

This young woman from Aberdare explained she liked the liberty to pose queries at all hours – a feature 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 2024.

She explained she requested it to create a regimen merging running and the weight training, and it generated an multi-week programme customized to her race date and objectives.

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

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

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

Richard Gallimore

Remarkable Fitness Gains

In a similar case, Richard Gallimore, 23, based in a Welsh city, has been employing AI for his fitness and diet plans, and reported he has never felt stronger, increasing his chest press from a lower weight to 110kg.

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

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

This no-cost application constructed a fitness and meal program tailored to his goals, and established structured routines.

"I work out for about 120 minutes a day and I've seen a real difference," he added.

The Expense Contrast: Technology vs. Traditional Coaching

One recent survey in late 2024 compared costs for numerous of the biggest gym brands and found the typical monthly fee was around £38 per month, based on standard full-access plans.

Prices ranged from £23 at the most affordable provider to £132 at the highest-priced.

Based on further data, personal trainers determine their own fees, typically £30-£65 per hour-long session outside London and about a similar range in the capital.

Clients typically use a trainer once or twice a week and collaborate for a short period, but these agreements are completely flexible.

A personal trainer

The Irreplaceable Human Element

Personal trainer Dafydd Judd, from Cardiff, said AI can be beneficial to accelerate results, but believes it will never replace the human connection and accountability that live training provides.

This expert, who has 12 years experience as a coach, specialises in senior clients and recovery from injuries. He mentioned a number of his trainees also use AI.

"In my opinion it's very valuable, more knowledge is positive," he stated.

"I believe the more that people are online the more they'll want personal contact because they want the warmth from the understanding that is missing from a computer," he added.

The trainer explained AI can inform users and make guidance more effective.

But, he said real commitment comes when people appear in person for their sessions.

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

In the view of many, he suggested, the gym is a place to disconnect from devices and stop being glued to screens.