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A runner

Following a holiday period filled with indulgent treats and downtime, numerous individuals enter 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 used an artificial intelligence application for impromptu preparation for the a major running event.

This young woman from a town in Wales said she appreciated the freedom to pose queries any time of day – something she felt was unavailable with a personal trainer.

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

She said she asked it to create a regimen combining cardio and the gym, and it generated an 11-week programme tailored to her event day and goals.

The user then tweaked the schedule to fit her daily routine, which she said was highly practical.

The following year, she opted for a alternative application because it was cheaper and she could ask it questions at any time. Her result was a full minute quicker than her goal time.

She noted she did not want feeling pressure from a live instructor.

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

Richard Gallimore

Remarkable Fitness Improvements

In a similar case, Another individual, in his twenties, from a Welsh city, has been employing artificial intelligence for his exercise and nutrition programs, and said he has never felt stronger, boosting his chest press from 70kg to 110kg.

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

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

This no-cost application constructed a fitness and meal program personalized to his aims, and created organized workouts.

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

The Expense Contrast: Technology vs. Conventional Training

A recent survey in late 2024 analyzed prices for 17 of the largest gym brands and found the average membership cost was around £38 per month, based on basic full-access plans.

Prices ranged from a lower price at the most affordable provider to a premium rate at the highest-priced.

Based on industry research, fitness coaches determine their own fees, typically £30-£65 per hour-long session outside London and about £45-£65 in London.

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

Dafydd Judd

The Essential Personal Touch

Personal trainer one experienced professional, from the Welsh capital, acknowledged AI can be useful to speed up progress, but believes it will never replace the human connection and accountability that live training provides.

This expert, who has 12 years experience as a coach, focuses on senior clients and injury rehabilitation. He mentioned some of his trainees also use AI.

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

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

Dafydd explained AI can inform users and make guidance more efficient.

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

"No matter how helpful as it is at the middle of the night, a computer cannot ensure you show up at 7am before work," he concluded.

For many, he suggested, the gym is a space to disconnect from devices and take a break from technology.