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Leah Walsh

Following a festive period packed with indulgent treats and downtime, numerous individuals head into January aiming to get their fitness back on track.

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

Personalized Plans and Adaptable Schedules

Leah Walsh employed an artificial intelligence application for last-minute preparation for the a major running event.

This young woman hailing from Aberdare explained she liked the freedom to pose queries at all hours – something she felt was not possible with a personal trainer.

Leah relied on an AI-powered running app that provided her customized schedules with voice guidance and pace setting for her first long-distance race in 2024.

She said she requested it to create a plan merging cardio and the gym, and it produced an 11-week programme customized to her race date and goals.

The user then adjusted the plan to suit her daily routine, which she said was highly practical.

The following year, she opted for a different tool because it was more affordable and she could consult it whenever she wanted. She finished a full minute quicker than her goal time.

She said she wanted to avoid feeling pressure from a live instructor.

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

A weightlifter

Remarkable Strength Improvements

In a similar case, Richard Gallimore, 23, from Swansea, has been using AI for his fitness and diet plans, and reported he has achieved peak strength, increasing his bench press from a lower weight to 110kg.

He turned to a bot for assistance after being unable to run a race.

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

The free tool constructed a workout and diet plan tailored to his aims, and created structured routines.

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

The Cost Contrast: AI vs. Conventional Training

One recent study in late 2024 compared costs for numerous of the biggest fitness chains and found the typical monthly fee was around £38 a month, for standard full-access plans.

Fees ranged from 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 45-60 minute session in most areas and about £45-£65 in London.

Clients will often use a coach once or twice a week and collaborate for a short period, but these arrangements are often adaptable.

Dafydd Judd

The Irreplaceable Personal Touch

Personal trainer one experienced professional, based in the Welsh capital, said artificial intelligence can be beneficial to speed up progress, but is convinced it will never replace the personal interaction and responsibility that live training offers.

This expert, who has 12 years experience as a trainer, focuses on senior clients and recovery from injuries. He mentioned some of his clients also use AI.

"I think it's extremely useful, additional information is positive," he said.

"I believe the more that people are connected digitally the more they'll desire human connection because they want the warmth from the comprehension that is missing from a machine," he added.

The trainer explained Artificial intelligence can educate users and make coaching more efficient.

However, he argued true dedication comes when people show up in person for their sessions.

"No matter how helpful as it is at 2am, a computer won't keep you accountable at early morning before work," he concluded.

For many, he suggested, the gym is a space to leave phones behind and stop being glued to screens.