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A runner

After a holiday period filled with rich foods and downtime, many people head into the new year aiming to get their fitness back on track.

However, is it possible that Artificial Intelligence be transforming the world of exercise by offering an option to human coaches?

Tailored Programs and Adaptable Timelines

Leah Walsh employed an artificial intelligence application for last-minute training for the Cardiff Half Marathon.

The 21-year-old from Aberdare said she appreciated the freedom to pose queries any time of day – a feature she believed was unavailable with a traditional coach.

She relied on an AI-driven running app that provided her customized schedules with voice guidance and speed targets for her inaugural long-distance race in 2024.

She explained she requested it to design a plan merging running and the weight training, and it produced an 11-week programme customized to her event day and goals.

Leah then tweaked the schedule to fit her daily routine, which she said was highly practical.

Subsequently, she chose a different tool because it was more affordable and she could ask it questions whenever she wanted. She finished a minute faster than her goal time.

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

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

A weightlifter

Remarkable Strength Improvements

Meanwhile, Another individual, in his twenties, from Swansea, has been using AI for his fitness and diet plans, and reported he has achieved peak strength, boosting his bench press from 70kg to 110kg.

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

"I realized I need to sort myself out," he said.

The free tool constructed a fitness and meal program tailored to his aims, and created structured routines.

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

The Expense Comparison: AI vs. Conventional Coaching

One recent study in late 2024 compared prices for numerous of the biggest fitness chains and found the typical monthly fee was around £38 per month, for basic memberships.

Fees ranged from a lower price at the most affordable provider to a premium rate at the most expensive.

According to industry research, fitness coaches determine their own fees, usually 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 one or two times a week and work with them for a short period, but these arrangements are often adaptable.

Dafydd Judd

The Essential Personal Touch

Fitness coach Dafydd Judd, from the Welsh capital, said artificial intelligence can be beneficial to speed up progress, but believes it will never replace the human connection and accountability that in-person coaching provides.

The 37-year-old, who has 12 years experience as a trainer, specialises in senior clients and injury rehabilitation. He mentioned some of his trainees also employ AI.

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

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

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

However, he said true dedication comes when people show up in person for training.

"As useful as it is at the middle of the night, a computer won't keep you accountable at 7am before work," he concluded.

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