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A runner

Following a holiday period filled with indulgent treats and relaxation, many people enter January looking to regain their fitness momentum.

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

Tailored Programs and Adaptable Timelines

One fitness enthusiast employed an AI tool for impromptu preparation for the Cardiff Half Marathon.

The 21-year-old hailing from a town in Wales explained she liked the liberty to ask it questions at all hours – a feature she felt was unavailable with a traditional coach.

Leah used an AI-driven fitness application that gave her customized schedules with audio coaching and pace setting for her first long-distance race in 2024.

She said she asked it to design a plan combining running and the weight training, and it produced an multi-week plan tailored to her event day and objectives.

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

The following year, she opted for a different tool because it was cheaper and she could consult it whenever she wanted. She finished a minute faster than her target finish.

She noted she did not want feeling pressure from a human personal trainer.

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

Richard Gallimore

Remarkable Fitness Improvements

Meanwhile, Another individual, in his twenties, from a Welsh city, has been using artificial intelligence for his fitness and diet plans, and said he has achieved peak strength, boosting his bench press from a lower weight to a much heavier load.

He turned to a bot for help after being forced to walk a running event.

"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 two hours a day and I've seen a noticeable change," he added.

The Expense Comparison: Technology vs. Conventional Coaching

A recent study in the previous year analyzed prices for 17 of the largest gym brands and found the average membership cost was around £38 a month, based on basic full-access plans.

Fees ranged from a lower price at the most affordable provider to £132 at the most expensive.

Based on industry research, fitness coaches set their own rates, usually a range of thirty to sixty-five pounds per 45-60 minute session outside London and about £45-£65 in the capital.

Clients typically use a trainer one or two times a week and work with them for a few months, but these agreements are completely flexible.

Dafydd Judd

The Essential Human Element

Personal trainer Dafydd Judd, based in the Welsh capital, acknowledged artificial intelligence can be beneficial to accelerate results, but is convinced it will not supplant the personal interaction and accountability that live training provides.

The 37-year-old, who has 12 years experience as a trainer, focuses on senior clients and injury rehabilitation. He mentioned a number of his trainees also employ technology.

"In my opinion it's extremely useful, more knowledge is good," he stated.

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

Dafydd explained AI can educate clients and make guidance more effective.

But, he said true dedication comes when people show up in person for training.

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

In the view of many, he said, the gym is a place to disconnect from devices and take a break from technology.