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Leah Walsh

Following a holiday period filled with rich foods and downtime, many people enter January looking to get their fitness back on track.

However, could AI be transforming the world of exercise by providing an option to human coaches?

Tailored Plans and Flexible Schedules

One fitness enthusiast used an AI tool for last-minute preparation for the Cardiff Half Marathon.

This young woman from Aberdare explained she appreciated the liberty to ask it questions any time of day – something she believed was not possible with a traditional coach.

She relied on an AI-driven fitness application that gave her personalised plans with audio coaching and speed targets for her inaugural half marathon in 2024.

She said she asked it to design a plan merging running and the gym, and it produced an 11-week plan tailored to her event day and objectives.

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

Subsequently, she opted for a different tool because it was cheaper and she could ask it questions whenever she wanted. Her result was a minute faster than her goal time.

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

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

Richard Gallimore

Significant Fitness Improvements

Meanwhile, Richard Gallimore, 23, from Swansea, has been employing artificial intelligence for his exercise and nutrition programs, and said he has never felt stronger, boosting his bench press from 70kg to a much heavier load.

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

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

The free tool constructed a fitness and meal program tailored to his goals, and created organized workouts.

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

The Cost Contrast: Technology vs. Traditional Coaching

One recent study in late 2024 compared costs for 17 of the largest fitness chains and found the average membership cost was approximately forty pounds a month, for standard memberships.

Prices ranged from a lower price at the cheapest chain to £132 at the most expensive.

Based on further data, fitness coaches set their own rates, typically a range of thirty to sixty-five pounds per hour-long appointment in most areas and about a similar range in London.

Customers will often hire a trainer once or twice a week and work with them for a few months, but these arrangements are completely flexible.

Dafydd Judd

The Irreplaceable Personal Touch

Personal trainer Dafydd Judd, from Cardiff, acknowledged AI can be beneficial to speed up progress, but believes it will not supplant the personal interaction and accountability that in-person coaching offers.

This expert, who has over a decade of experience as a coach, focuses on older adults and injury rehabilitation. He mentioned some of his clients also employ AI.

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

"I believe the more that people are online the more they'll desire personal contact because they want the empathy from the understanding that is absent from a machine," he continued.

The trainer explained AI can educate users and make guidance more efficient.

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

"No matter how helpful as it is at 2am, a digital tool won't keep you accountable at 7am before work," Dafydd concluded.

For many, he said, the gym is a space to leave phones behind and take a break from technology.