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Leah Walsh

Following a holiday period packed with rich foods and relaxation, numerous individuals head into the new year looking 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?

Personalized Programs and Flexible Timelines

One fitness enthusiast employed an AI tool for last-minute training for the a major running event.

The 21-year-old from a town in Wales explained she liked the liberty to ask it questions at all hours – a feature she believed was unavailable with a traditional coach.

She relied on an AI-powered running app that gave her customized schedules with voice guidance and speed targets for her inaugural long-distance race in recent years.

She explained she asked it to design a regimen combining running and the weight training, and it generated an 11-week programme customized to her race date and goals.

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

The following year, she chose a alternative application because it was more affordable and she could consult it whenever she wanted. Her result was a full minute quicker than her target finish.

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

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

A weightlifter

Significant Fitness Gains

Meanwhile, Richard Gallimore, 23, from a Welsh city, has been using AI for his exercise and nutrition programs, and reported he has never felt stronger, increasing his chest press from 70kg to a much heavier load.

He resorted to a bot for assistance after being unable to run a running event.

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

This no-cost application constructed a workout and diet plan personalized to his goals, and created structured routines.

"I work out for about 120 minutes a day and I've seen a noticeable change," he said.

The Cost Comparison: AI vs. Traditional Training

A recent study in late 2024 analyzed costs for 17 of the largest gym brands and found the average membership cost was around £38 a month, based on basic memberships.

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

Based on industry research, fitness coaches set their own rates, typically a range of thirty to sixty-five pounds per 45-60 minute appointment outside London and about £45-£65 in London.

Customers typically use a trainer once or twice a week and work with them for a few months, but these arrangements are often adaptable.

Dafydd Judd

The Irreplaceable Personal Element

Personal trainer Dafydd Judd, based in Cardiff, said AI can be useful to accelerate results, but believes it will never replace the personal interaction and accountability that in-person coaching provides.

This expert, who has over a decade of experience as a coach, specialises in senior clients and recovery from injuries. He mentioned a number of his clients also employ AI.

"I think it's extremely useful, more knowledge is good," 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 computer," he continued.

Dafydd explained Artificial intelligence can inform users and make coaching more effective.

But, he said true dedication comes when people show up physically for training.

"As useful as it is at the middle of the night, a digital tool won't keep you accountable at early morning before work," he added.

In the view of many, he suggested, the gym is a place to leave phones behind and take a break from technology.