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Leah Walsh

Following a festive period packed with rich foods and relaxation, many people head into January looking to regain their fitness momentum.

But, could Artificial Intelligence be changing the world of exercise by offering an alternative to human coaches?

Tailored Plans and Flexible Schedules

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

The 21-year-old from Aberdare explained she appreciated the freedom to pose queries at all hours – a feature she felt was not possible with a personal trainer.

She used an AI-powered running app that gave her personalised plans with audio coaching and speed targets for her inaugural half marathon in recent years.

She said she asked it to create a regimen merging cardio and the gym, and it produced an multi-week programme tailored to her event day and objectives.

Leah then tweaked the schedule to suit her lifestyle, which she said was convenient.

The following year, she opted for a alternative application because it was more affordable and she could ask it questions at any time. She finished a minute faster than her goal time.

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

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

A weightlifter

Significant Fitness Improvements

In a similar case, Richard Gallimore, 23, based in a Welsh city, has been using AI for his fitness and diet plans, and reported he has achieved peak strength, boosting his bench press from 70kg to 110kg.

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

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

This no-cost application built a workout and diet plan personalized to his aims, and created organized workouts.

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

The Expense Comparison: AI vs. Conventional Coaching

A recent survey in late 2024 compared prices for numerous of the largest gym brands and found the typical monthly fee was around £38 per month, based on basic full-access plans.

Prices ranged from a lower price at the most affordable chain to a premium rate at the most expensive.

Based on industry research, personal trainers set their own rates, typically a range of thirty to sixty-five pounds per 45-60 minute appointment in most areas and about a similar range in the capital.

Clients will often hire a trainer once or twice a week and work with them for a few months, but these agreements are often adaptable.

A personal trainer

The Essential Personal Touch

Fitness coach Dafydd Judd, from the Welsh capital, said artificial intelligence can be useful to speed up progress, but believes it will never replace the human connection and responsibility that live training provides.

The 37-year-old, who has over a decade of experience as a coach, focuses on older adults and injury rehabilitation. He said a number of his clients also use AI.

"In my opinion it's very valuable, additional information is good," he said.

"I believe the more that people are online the more they'll want human connection because they crave the warmth from the understanding that is missing from a machine," he added.

Dafydd said Artificial intelligence can inform users and make guidance more effective.

But, he argued true dedication comes when people appear physically for training.

"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 leave phones behind and take a break from technology.