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Leah Walsh

After a holiday period packed with rich foods and relaxation, numerous individuals enter January looking to regain their fitness momentum.

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

Tailored Programs and Flexible Timelines

Leah Walsh employed an AI tool for impromptu training for the Cardiff Half Marathon.

This young woman from a town in Wales said she liked the liberty to ask it questions at all hours – something she felt was not possible with a traditional coach.

She relied on an AI-driven fitness application that gave her personalised plans with audio coaching and pace setting for her first long-distance race in recent years.

She explained she requested it to create a regimen merging running and the weight training, and it generated an 11-week plan customized to her event day and goals.

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

The following year, she opted for a different tool because it was cheaper and she could consult it at any time. She finished a minute faster than her target finish.

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

"With AI you have to find your own drive, which I actually prefer," she added.

A weightlifter

Remarkable Strength Gains

Meanwhile, Another individual, in his twenties, from Swansea, has been employing artificial intelligence for his fitness and diet plans, and reported he has achieved peak strength, increasing his chest press from 70kg to 110kg.

Richard resorted to a AI assistant for help after being unable to run a race.

"I realized I had to sort myself out," he commented.

The free tool constructed a workout and diet plan personalized to his goals, and established structured routines.

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

The Cost Contrast: Technology vs. Conventional Coaching

A recent study in late 2024 analyzed prices for 17 of the biggest fitness chains and found the average membership cost was around £38 a month, based on standard memberships.

Prices ranged from £23 at the cheapest provider to a premium rate at the most expensive.

Based on further data, fitness coaches set their own rates, typically a range of thirty to sixty-five pounds per 45-60 minute session outside London and about a similar range in the capital.

Clients typically hire a coach one or two times a week and collaborate for a few months, but these arrangements are completely flexible.

Dafydd Judd

The Essential Human Touch

Personal trainer one experienced professional, from Cardiff, acknowledged artificial intelligence can be beneficial to accelerate results, but believes it will never replace the personal interaction and responsibility that live training offers.

The 37-year-old, who has 12 years experience as a coach, focuses on older adults and recovery from injuries. He mentioned some of his trainees also use AI.

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

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

The trainer said AI can educate users and make coaching more effective.

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

"No matter how helpful as it is at 2am, a digital tool won't keep you accountable at 7am before work," he added.

For many, he said, the gym is a space to disconnect from devices and take a break from technology.