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A runner

Following a festive period filled with indulgent treats and downtime, many people head into January aiming to regain their fitness momentum.

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

Personalized Plans and Flexible Timelines

One fitness enthusiast employed an AI tool for last-minute preparation for the a major running event.

The 21-year-old hailing from a town in Wales said she appreciated the liberty to ask it questions any time of day – a feature she believed was unavailable with a personal trainer.

She used an AI-driven running app that gave her personalised plans with audio coaching and pace setting for her first half marathon in 2024.

She explained she requested it to design a plan combining running and the weight training, and it generated an multi-week programme tailored to her event day and objectives.

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

Subsequently, she chose a alternative application because it was more affordable and she could consult it at any time. Her result was a full minute quicker than her target finish.

She noted she did not want feeling pressure from a live instructor.

"Using artificial intelligence you have to find your own drive, which I actually prefer," she added.

Richard Gallimore

Significant Strength Gains

In a similar case, Richard Gallimore, 23, based in Swansea, has been using AI for his fitness and diet plans, and said he has achieved peak strength, boosting his bench press from a lower weight to 110kg.

He turned to a AI assistant for help after being forced to walk a race.

"I realized I need to get myself in shape," he commented.

This no-cost application built a workout and diet plan tailored to his goals, and established organized workouts.

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

The Cost Contrast: AI vs. Conventional Coaching

A recent study in late 2024 analyzed costs for numerous of the largest gym brands and found the typical monthly fee was around £38 a month, for standard memberships.

Fees ranged from a lower price at the most affordable provider to a premium rate at the highest-priced.

Based on further data, fitness coaches determine their own fees, usually a range of thirty to sixty-five pounds per 45-60 minute appointment outside London and about a similar range in the capital.

Clients typically use a trainer once or twice a week and collaborate for a short period, however these agreements are completely flexible.

Dafydd Judd

The Essential Human Touch

Personal trainer Dafydd Judd, from the Welsh capital, acknowledged artificial intelligence can be useful to speed up progress, but is convinced it will never replace the human connection and responsibility that live training provides.

The 37-year-old, who has over a decade of experience as a trainer, focuses on older adults and injury rehabilitation. He said a number of his trainees also employ technology.

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

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

Dafydd explained AI can educate users and make guidance more efficient.

But, he argued real commitment comes when people show up in person for their sessions.

"No matter how helpful as it is at the middle of the night, a computer cannot ensure you show up at 7am before work," he concluded.

For many, he said, the gym is a place to leave phones behind and take a break from technology.