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Leah Walsh

After a holiday period packed with rich foods and relaxation, many people head into the new year aiming to regain their fitness momentum.

But, is it possible that AI be changing the world of exercise by providing an option to human coaches?

Personalized Programs and Adaptable Timelines

One fitness enthusiast used an artificial intelligence application for last-minute training for the Cardiff Half Marathon.

This young woman hailing from Aberdare said she appreciated the freedom to pose queries any time of day – something she believed was not possible with a personal trainer.

Leah used an AI-powered fitness application that provided her personalised plans with voice guidance and pace setting for her first half marathon in 2024.

She explained she asked it to design a plan combining cardio and the weight training, and it produced an 11-week plan tailored to her event day and goals.

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

The following year, she chose a different tool because it was more affordable and she could consult it 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.

"With AI you have to motivate yourself, which I quite like," she added.

A weightlifter

Remarkable Fitness Gains

In a similar case, Richard Gallimore, in his twenties, from Swansea, has been using AI for his fitness and diet plans, and reported he has achieved peak strength, increasing his chest press from a lower weight to 110kg.

Richard turned to a AI assistant for assistance after being unable to run a race.

"I just knew I need 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 train for about two hours a day and I've seen a noticeable change," he added.

The Expense Comparison: AI vs. Traditional Training

A recent study in late 2024 analyzed prices for 17 of the biggest gym brands and found the typical monthly fee was around £38 per month, for basic full-access plans.

Fees ranged from £23 at the most affordable chain to a premium rate at the highest-priced.

Based on further data, personal trainers set their own rates, usually a range of thirty to sixty-five pounds per hour-long appointment outside London and about a similar range in the capital.

Customers will often hire a coach one or two times a week and collaborate for a few months, however these arrangements are often adaptable.

Dafydd Judd

The Irreplaceable Personal Element

Fitness coach Dafydd Judd, based in Cardiff, acknowledged artificial intelligence can be beneficial to speed up progress, but believes it will never replace the personal interaction and responsibility that live training provides.

The 37-year-old, who has over a decade of experience as a trainer, focuses on senior clients and injury rehabilitation. He said some of his trainees also employ AI.

"I think it's very valuable, additional information is positive," he stated.

"I believe the more that people are connected digitally the more they'll want personal contact because they want the empathy from the understanding that is missing from a machine," he added.

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

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

"No matter how helpful as it is at 2am, a computer won't keep you accountable at early morning before work," he concluded.

For many, he suggested, the fitness center is a place to disconnect from devices and take a break from technology.