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Leah Walsh

Following a festive period packed with indulgent treats and relaxation, many people enter January looking to get their fitness back on track.

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

Personalized Plans and Adaptable Schedules

Leah Walsh employed an artificial intelligence application for impromptu training for the Cardiff Half Marathon.

This young woman from Aberdare explained she liked the freedom to pose queries at all hours – something she believed was not possible with a traditional coach.

She used an AI-driven running app that provided her personalised plans with voice guidance and pace setting for her first long-distance race in recent years.

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

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

The following year, she opted for a different tool because it was cheaper and she could consult it at any time. Her result was a full minute quicker than her target finish.

She said she did not want the pressure from a live instructor.

"With AI you have to motivate yourself, which I quite like," she remarked.

Richard Gallimore

Remarkable Strength Improvements

In a similar case, Another individual, 23, based in Swansea, has been using 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.

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

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

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

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

The Expense Contrast: AI vs. Traditional Training

One recent survey in late 2024 analyzed prices for numerous of the biggest gym brands and found the typical monthly fee was around £38 a month, for basic memberships.

Prices started at a lower price at the cheapest chain to a premium rate at the highest-priced.

Based on industry research, personal trainers set their own rates, usually a range of thirty to sixty-five pounds per hour-long appointment in most areas and about £45-£65 in London.

Customers will often use a trainer once or twice a week and work with them for a short period, however these agreements are often adaptable.

Dafydd Judd

The Irreplaceable Human Element

Fitness coach one experienced professional, based in Cardiff, said artificial intelligence can be beneficial to accelerate results, but is convinced it will not supplant the human connection and accountability that live training offers.

This expert, who has over a decade of experience as a coach, focuses on older adults and injury rehabilitation. He said some of his clients 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 desire personal contact because they crave the empathy from the comprehension that is missing from a machine," he continued.

Dafydd said Artificial intelligence can inform clients and make guidance more efficient.

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

"As useful as it is at 2am, a digital tool won't keep you accountable at early morning before work," he concluded.

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