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A runner

Following a holiday period packed with rich foods and relaxation, numerous individuals enter January aiming to regain their fitness momentum.

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

Personalized Plans and Adaptable Timelines

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

The 21-year-old from a town in Wales explained she liked the freedom to ask it questions any time of day – a feature she felt was not possible with a personal trainer.

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

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

Leah then adjusted the plan to suit her lifestyle, which she said was convenient.

The following year, she chose a different tool because it was cheaper and she could ask it questions at any time. Her result was a minute faster than her target finish.

She noted she wanted to avoid the pressure from a human personal trainer.

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

A weightlifter

Significant Fitness Gains

Meanwhile, Richard Gallimore, 23, from Swansea, has been employing AI for his exercise and nutrition programs, and said he has never felt stronger, boosting his chest press from a lower weight to 110kg.

Richard resorted to a AI assistant for help after being unable to run a race.

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

This no-cost application constructed a workout and diet plan personalized to his goals, and created organized workouts.

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

The Cost Comparison: AI vs. Traditional Coaching

One recent survey 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 memberships.

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

According to further data, fitness coaches set their own rates, usually a range of thirty to sixty-five pounds per hour-long appointment outside London and about a similar range in London.

Clients typically use a trainer once or twice a week and work with them for a short period, but these agreements are often adaptable.

A personal trainer

The Irreplaceable Human Touch

Fitness coach Dafydd Judd, from 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 live training provides.

This expert, who has 12 years experience as a coach, focuses on older adults and injury rehabilitation. He mentioned a number of his trainees also employ AI.

"I think it's very valuable, additional information is positive," he said.

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

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

However, he said real commitment comes when people show up physically for training.

"No matter how helpful as it is at 2am, a computer won't keep you accountable at early morning before work," he added.

In the view of many, he said, the fitness center is a place to leave phones behind and stop being glued to screens.