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Leah Walsh

Following a holiday period packed with rich foods and relaxation, many people head into January looking to get their fitness back on track.

However, is it possible that AI be changing the world of exercise by offering an alternative to human coaches?

Personalized Plans and Adaptable Schedules

Leah Walsh employed an AI tool for last-minute training for the Cardiff Half Marathon.

The 21-year-old hailing from Aberdare said she appreciated the liberty to ask it questions at all hours – something she believed was unavailable with a personal trainer.

She relied on an AI-powered running app that provided her customized schedules with voice guidance and speed targets for her first half marathon in 2024.

She said she requested it to create a regimen merging cardio and the gym, and it generated an 11-week plan tailored to her race date and objectives.

The user then adjusted the schedule to fit her lifestyle, which she said was convenient.

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

She said she wanted to avoid feeling 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 Gains

In a similar case, Another individual, in his twenties, from a Welsh city, has been using artificial intelligence for his fitness and diet plans, and said he has achieved peak strength, boosting his bench press from a lower weight to a much heavier load.

He turned to a bot for assistance after being unable to run a race.

"I realized I had to sort myself out," he commented.

This no-cost application constructed a workout and diet plan tailored to his goals, and established structured routines.

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

The Cost Comparison: AI vs. Traditional Coaching

A recent survey in late 2024 compared costs for 17 of the largest fitness chains and found the average membership cost was approximately forty pounds per month, for standard full-access plans.

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

According to further data, fitness coaches determine their own fees, usually £30-£65 per hour-long appointment in most areas and about a similar range in the capital.

Customers will often use a coach once or twice a week and collaborate for a few months, however these agreements are completely flexible.

Dafydd Judd

The Irreplaceable Personal Element

Personal trainer Dafydd Judd, based in the Welsh capital, acknowledged artificial intelligence can be useful to accelerate results, but is convinced it will never replace the human connection and accountability that in-person coaching provides.

This expert, who has 12 years experience as a coach, focuses on older adults and injury rehabilitation. He mentioned a number of his trainees also employ AI.

"I think it's very valuable, more knowledge is good," he said.

"I believe the more that people are online the more they'll want human connection because they crave the empathy from the comprehension that is absent from a computer," he continued.

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

But, he said real commitment comes when people appear physically for training.

"No matter how helpful as it is at 2am, a digital tool cannot ensure you show up at 7am before work," Dafydd concluded.

In the view of many, he suggested, the gym is a place to leave phones behind and stop being glued to screens.