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Leah Walsh

Following a festive period filled with indulgent treats and downtime, numerous individuals enter the new year looking to regain their fitness momentum.

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

Tailored Plans and Flexible Schedules

Leah Walsh employed an artificial intelligence application for impromptu training for the Cardiff Half Marathon.

The 21-year-old hailing from a town in Wales explained she appreciated the liberty to pose queries at all hours – something she believed was not possible with a traditional coach.

Leah relied on an AI-powered fitness application that provided her customized schedules with voice guidance and speed targets for her inaugural half marathon in recent years.

She explained she asked it to design a plan merging cardio and the weight training, and it produced an 11-week programme tailored to her event day and objectives.

Leah then adjusted the plan to suit her daily routine, which she said was highly practical.

Subsequently, she chose a different tool because it was cheaper and she could consult it whenever she wanted. Her result was a minute faster than her target finish.

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

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

Richard Gallimore

Significant Fitness Improvements

In a similar case, Another individual, 23, from Swansea, has been employing artificial intelligence for his exercise and nutrition programs, and said he has never felt stronger, increasing his bench press from a lower weight to 110kg.

Richard resorted to a bot for help after being unable to run a running event.

"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 aims, and established organized workouts.

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

The Expense Contrast: AI vs. Traditional Coaching

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

Fees started at a lower price at the cheapest chain to a premium rate at the highest-priced.

According to industry research, fitness coaches determine their own fees, typically £30-£65 per hour-long appointment outside London and about £45-£65 in London.

Clients typically use a coach one or two times a week and collaborate for a short period, but these agreements are completely flexible.

A personal trainer

The Essential Personal Touch

Personal trainer one experienced professional, from the Welsh capital, acknowledged AI can be useful to accelerate results, but believes it will never replace the human connection and responsibility that in-person coaching provides.

The 37-year-old, who has 12 years experience as a coach, focuses on senior clients and injury rehabilitation. He mentioned a number of his clients also use AI.

"In my opinion it's very valuable, additional information is positive," he said.

"I think the more people are online the more they'll want human connection because they want the warmth from the understanding that is absent from a computer," he continued.

The trainer explained AI can inform users and make coaching more effective.

However, he argued true dedication comes when people appear in person for training.

"As useful as it is at 2am, a computer cannot ensure you show up at 7am before work," he added.

In the view of many, he suggested, the fitness center is a space to disconnect from devices and take a break from technology.