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Leah Walsh

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

But, could AI be transforming the world of exercise by providing an option to human coaches?

Personalized Plans and Flexible Schedules

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

The 21-year-old hailing from Aberdare said she appreciated the liberty to pose queries any time of day – something she believed was not possible with a traditional coach.

She relied on an AI-driven fitness application that provided her personalised plans with voice guidance and pace setting for her first long-distance race in 2024.

She explained she asked it to create a plan merging running and the weight training, and it generated an multi-week programme customized to her race date and goals.

The user then adjusted the schedule to suit her lifestyle, which she described was highly practical.

Subsequently, 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 target finish.

She said she did not want the pressure from a human personal trainer.

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

A weightlifter

Remarkable Fitness Gains

In a similar case, Another individual, in his twenties, based in a Welsh city, 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 forced to walk a race.

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

The free tool built a fitness and meal program personalized to his goals, and created structured routines.

"I train for about two hours a day and I've seen a noticeable change," he said.

The Cost Contrast: Technology vs. Traditional Training

One recent study in late 2024 analyzed costs for numerous of the largest fitness chains and found the average membership cost was approximately forty pounds a month, based on standard full-access plans.

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

Based on further data, personal trainers set their own rates, usually £30-£65 per hour-long session outside London and about £45-£65 in London.

Clients typically use a coach once or twice a week and collaborate for a short period, however these arrangements are often adaptable.

A personal trainer

The Essential Human Element

Personal trainer one experienced professional, based in the Welsh capital, acknowledged AI can be beneficial to accelerate results, but believes it will never replace the personal interaction and responsibility that live training offers.

This expert, who has 12 years experience as a coach, specialises in older adults and injury rehabilitation. He mentioned some of his clients also use AI.

"In my opinion it's very valuable, more knowledge is positive," he stated.

"I believe the more people are online the more they'll desire human connection 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.

But, he argued real commitment comes when people appear 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 concluded.

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