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A runner

After a festive period filled with rich foods and downtime, many people enter January aiming to get their fitness back on track.

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

Personalized Programs and Flexible Timelines

One fitness enthusiast employed an artificial intelligence application for last-minute preparation for the Cardiff Half Marathon.

This young woman from Aberdare explained she liked the liberty to ask it questions at all hours – a feature she felt was unavailable with a traditional coach.

Leah relied on an AI-driven running app that gave her customized schedules with voice guidance and pace setting for her inaugural half marathon in 2024.

She explained she requested it to create a regimen merging cardio and the weight training, and it produced an 11-week plan customized to her race date and goals.

The user then tweaked the schedule to fit her lifestyle, which she described was convenient.

Subsequently, she opted for a alternative application because it was more affordable 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 feeling pressure from a human personal trainer.

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

Richard Gallimore

Significant Strength Improvements

In a similar case, Another individual, in his twenties, from Swansea, has been using artificial intelligence for his fitness and diet plans, and said he has never felt stronger, boosting his chest press from 70kg to a much heavier load.

He resorted to a AI assistant for help after being forced to walk a race.

"I realized I had to sort myself out," he commented.

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

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

The Cost Contrast: Technology vs. Conventional Coaching

One recent study in late 2024 analyzed costs for numerous of the biggest fitness chains and found the average membership cost was around £38 a month, for standard full-access plans.

Fees started at £23 at the most affordable provider to a premium rate at the most expensive.

According to industry research, personal trainers set their own rates, usually a range of thirty to sixty-five pounds per hour-long session outside London and about £45-£65 in the capital.

Clients will often use a coach one or two times a week and work with them for a few months, however these arrangements are completely flexible.

A personal trainer

The Essential Human Element

Fitness coach Dafydd Judd, based in the Welsh capital, acknowledged artificial intelligence can be useful to speed up progress, but is convinced it will never replace the personal interaction and responsibility that in-person coaching offers.

The 37-year-old, who has 12 years experience as a trainer, focuses on older adults and injury rehabilitation. He mentioned some of his trainees also use technology.

"I think it's very valuable, additional information is good," he stated.

"I think the more that people are connected digitally the more they'll desire personal contact because they want the warmth from the comprehension that is absent from a computer," he added.

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

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

"As useful as it is at 2am, a digital tool won't keep you accountable at 7am before work," Dafydd added.

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