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Leah Walsh

Following a festive period packed with indulgent treats and downtime, many people enter the new year looking to get their fitness back on track.

However, is it possible that Artificial Intelligence be changing the world of exercise by providing an alternative to human coaches?

Personalized Programs and Adaptable Timelines

One fitness enthusiast used an artificial intelligence application for last-minute training for the a major running event.

This young woman from Aberdare said she liked the liberty to ask it questions at all hours – something she felt was unavailable with a personal trainer.

Leah used an AI-driven fitness application that gave her personalised plans with audio coaching and speed targets for her inaugural half marathon in 2024.

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

The user then adjusted the plan to suit her daily routine, which she said was convenient.

Subsequently, she chose a different tool because it was cheaper and she could ask it questions at any time. Her result was a full minute quicker than her goal time.

She said she did not want the pressure from a live instructor.

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

Richard Gallimore

Remarkable Strength Improvements

In a similar case, Another individual, in his twenties, from Swansea, has been employing artificial intelligence for his fitness and diet plans, and said he has never felt stronger, boosting his chest press from 70kg to 110kg.

He resorted to a bot for assistance after being forced to walk a running event.

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

This no-cost application built a workout and diet plan personalized to his aims, and created structured routines.

"I work out for about two hours a day and I've seen a real difference," he added.

The Cost Contrast: AI vs. Conventional Coaching

A recent study in the previous year compared prices for 17 of the biggest fitness chains and found the typical monthly fee was around £38 a month, based on standard full-access plans.

Fees ranged from a lower price at the cheapest provider to £132 at the highest-priced.

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

Clients will often hire a coach once or twice a week and collaborate for a short period, but these arrangements are completely flexible.

A personal trainer

The Irreplaceable Personal Element

Personal trainer Dafydd Judd, based in Cardiff, acknowledged AI can be useful to speed up progress, but believes it will never replace the human connection and responsibility that live training offers.

This expert, who has 12 years experience as a coach, specialises in senior clients and recovery from injuries. He mentioned some of his trainees also employ AI.

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

"I believe the more people are online the more they'll desire human connection because they crave the warmth from the understanding that is missing from a computer," he continued.

Dafydd explained Artificial intelligence can inform users and make coaching more effective.

However, he said true dedication 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 7am before work," he concluded.

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