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A runner

Following a holiday period filled with rich foods and downtime, numerous individuals head into January aiming to regain their fitness momentum.

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

Personalized Plans and Flexible Schedules

One fitness enthusiast employed an AI tool for impromptu preparation for the Cardiff Half Marathon.

This young woman from a town in Wales said she liked the freedom to ask it questions any time of day – a feature she felt was not possible with a personal trainer.

She used an AI-powered fitness application that provided her personalised plans with audio coaching and pace setting for her first half marathon in recent years.

She said she asked it to create a regimen merging cardio and the weight training, and it produced an multi-week plan customized to her race date and goals.

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

The following year, she opted for a different tool because it was cheaper and she could ask it questions at any time. She finished a minute faster than her target finish.

She said she wanted to avoid the pressure from a live instructor.

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

Richard Gallimore

Remarkable Fitness Improvements

In a similar case, Richard Gallimore, in his twenties, based in a Welsh city, has been using AI for his fitness and diet plans, and reported he has never felt stronger, increasing his bench press from a lower weight to 110kg.

Richard turned to a bot for assistance after being forced to walk a running event.

"I just knew I had to sort myself out," he said.

This no-cost application constructed a fitness and meal program personalized to his goals, and established organized workouts.

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

The Cost Contrast: Technology vs. Traditional Coaching

One recent study in late 2024 compared costs for 17 of the biggest gym brands and found the typical monthly fee was around £38 a month, based on standard memberships.

Prices started at £23 at the most affordable chain to £132 at the most expensive.

According to further data, fitness coaches set their own rates, typically £30-£65 per 45-60 minute appointment in most areas and about £45-£65 in London.

Clients will often hire a coach one or two times a week and work with them for a short period, however these agreements are completely flexible.

Dafydd Judd

The Irreplaceable Human Touch

Personal trainer one experienced professional, from the Welsh capital, said artificial intelligence can be useful to accelerate results, but is convinced it will never replace the personal interaction and responsibility that in-person coaching offers.

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 use technology.

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

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

The trainer said Artificial intelligence can educate users and make guidance more efficient.

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

"As useful as it is at 2am, a computer won't keep you accountable at early morning before work," Dafydd added.

For many, he suggested, the gym is a space to leave phones behind and stop being glued to screens.