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Leah Walsh

After a holiday period packed with rich foods and relaxation, many people head into January looking to regain their fitness momentum.

However, is it possible that AI be changing the world of exercise by offering an option to human coaches?

Tailored Plans and Adaptable Timelines

Leah Walsh employed an AI tool for last-minute preparation for the Cardiff Half Marathon.

This young woman hailing from a town in Wales said 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-powered running app that gave her personalised plans with audio coaching and pace setting for her first long-distance race in recent years.

She said she requested it to design a regimen combining cardio and the gym, and it produced an 11-week programme tailored to her event day and objectives.

Leah then adjusted the schedule to suit her daily routine, which she said was convenient.

Subsequently, she chose a alternative application because it was cheaper and she could ask it questions at any time. She finished a minute faster than her target finish.

She noted she wanted to avoid feeling pressure from a live instructor.

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

Richard Gallimore

Remarkable Fitness Improvements

In a similar case, Richard Gallimore, 23, from a Welsh city, has been using AI for his exercise and nutrition programs, and reported he has achieved peak strength, increasing his bench press from a lower weight to 110kg.

He turned to a AI assistant for help after being unable to run a race.

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

This no-cost application built a fitness and meal program tailored to his goals, and created structured routines.

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

The Expense Contrast: Technology vs. Conventional Training

One recent survey in late 2024 analyzed costs for 17 of the biggest fitness chains and found the typical monthly fee was around £38 per month, based on basic memberships.

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

Based on industry research, personal trainers determine their own fees, usually £30-£65 per 45-60 minute appointment outside London and about £45-£65 in London.

Customers will often use a trainer once or twice a week and collaborate for a short period, but these arrangements are completely flexible.

Dafydd Judd

The Essential Human Element

Fitness coach one experienced professional, from Cardiff, acknowledged artificial intelligence can be useful to speed up progress, but believes it will never replace the personal interaction and responsibility that live training provides.

This expert, who has over a decade of experience as a trainer, focuses on older adults and recovery from injuries. He said a number of his trainees also use technology.

"In my opinion it's extremely useful, more knowledge is positive," he said.

"I believe the more people are connected digitally the more they'll desire personal contact because they crave the warmth from the understanding that is missing from a machine," he continued.

Dafydd said Artificial intelligence can educate users and make coaching more efficient.

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

"As useful as it is at the middle of the night, a computer won't keep you accountable at early morning before work," Dafydd concluded.

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