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A runner

Following a holiday period filled with rich foods and downtime, many people enter January aiming to regain their fitness momentum.

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

Tailored Plans and Flexible Timelines

One fitness enthusiast employed an artificial intelligence application for impromptu preparation for the a major running event.

This young woman from Aberdare explained she liked the freedom to ask it questions at all hours – a feature she felt was not possible with a personal trainer.

Leah used an AI-driven fitness application that gave her personalised plans with audio coaching and speed targets for her inaugural half marathon in recent years.

She said she requested it to create a regimen merging running and the gym, and it generated an multi-week programme tailored to her race date and goals.

The user then adjusted the plan to fit her lifestyle, which she said was convenient.

The following year, she chose a alternative application because it was cheaper and she could ask it questions whenever she wanted. Her result was a full minute quicker than her goal time.

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

"Using AI you have to motivate yourself, which I actually prefer," she remarked.

A weightlifter

Significant Strength Gains

In a similar case, Richard Gallimore, in his twenties, based in Swansea, has been employing AI for his fitness and diet plans, and reported he has never felt stronger, boosting his chest press from 70kg to 110kg.

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

"I just knew I need to sort myself out," he said.

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

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

The Cost Contrast: AI vs. Conventional Training

A recent survey in late 2024 analyzed costs for 17 of the biggest fitness chains and found the average membership cost was around £38 per month, based on standard memberships.

Prices ranged from £23 at the most affordable provider to £132 at the most expensive.

Based on further data, fitness coaches determine their own fees, typically £30-£65 per hour-long session in most areas and about £45-£65 in the capital.

Clients will often hire a coach one or two times a week and collaborate for a short period, but these arrangements are completely flexible.

Dafydd Judd

The Essential Human Touch

Personal trainer one experienced professional, from Cardiff, said artificial intelligence can be useful to speed up progress, but is convinced it will never replace the human connection and accountability that live training provides.

This expert, who has over a decade of experience as a coach, focuses on older adults and recovery from injuries. He mentioned some of his clients also use AI.

"In my opinion it's very valuable, more knowledge is positive," he said.

"I think the more that people are connected digitally the more they'll want human connection because they crave the empathy from the comprehension that is absent from a computer," he continued.

The trainer said Artificial intelligence can educate clients and make guidance more effective.

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

"As useful as it is at 2am, 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 stop being glued to screens.