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A runner

Following a festive period packed with rich foods and relaxation, numerous individuals enter January aiming to regain their fitness momentum.

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

Tailored Programs and Flexible Schedules

Leah Walsh employed an AI tool for last-minute training for the Cardiff Half Marathon.

This young woman hailing from Aberdare said she appreciated the freedom to ask it questions at all hours – something she believed was unavailable with a traditional coach.

Leah used an AI-powered running app that provided her customized schedules with voice guidance and speed targets for her inaugural long-distance race in 2024.

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

Leah then tweaked the schedule to fit her daily routine, which she said was convenient.

Subsequently, she chose a different tool because it was more affordable and she could ask it questions at any time. She finished a full minute quicker than her goal time.

She said she wanted to avoid feeling pressure from a human personal trainer.

"Using AI you have to find your own drive, which I quite like," she remarked.

Richard Gallimore

Significant Strength Gains

In a similar case, Richard Gallimore, 23, from Swansea, has been using artificial intelligence for his fitness and diet plans, and said he has never felt stronger, increasing his bench press from 70kg to 110kg.

Richard turned to a bot for assistance after being forced to walk a race.

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

The free tool constructed a fitness and meal program personalized to his aims, and established structured routines.

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

The Cost Contrast: Technology vs. Traditional Training

One recent study in late 2024 analyzed costs for 17 of the biggest gym brands and found the average membership cost was approximately forty pounds a month, for basic full-access plans.

Prices ranged from £23 at the most affordable chain to a premium rate at the most expensive.

According to industry research, personal trainers determine their own fees, usually a range of thirty to sixty-five pounds per 45-60 minute appointment outside London and about £45-£65 in the capital.

Customers will often hire a trainer once or twice a week and collaborate for a short period, but these arrangements are often adaptable.

Dafydd Judd

The Essential Human Element

Fitness coach Dafydd Judd, from the Welsh capital, said AI can be beneficial to accelerate results, but is convinced it will not supplant the human connection and responsibility that in-person coaching offers.

The 37-year-old, who has over a decade of experience as a coach, focuses on older adults and recovery from injuries. He said some of his trainees also use technology.

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

"I think the more people are connected digitally the more they'll desire human connection because they crave the warmth from the understanding that is absent from a computer," he added.

The trainer explained AI can inform clients and make coaching more efficient.

But, he argued real commitment comes when people show up in person for training.

"No matter how helpful as it is at the middle of the night, a computer cannot ensure you show up at early morning before work," Dafydd concluded.

For many, he suggested, the fitness center is a place to disconnect from devices and take a break from technology.