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A runner

After a holiday period filled with indulgent treats and downtime, numerous individuals head into January aiming to get their fitness back on track.

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

Personalized Plans and Adaptable Timelines

One fitness enthusiast employed an AI tool for last-minute preparation for the Cardiff Half Marathon.

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

She relied on an AI-powered fitness application that gave her customized schedules with audio coaching and pace setting for her inaugural half marathon in recent years.

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

The user then adjusted the schedule to suit her lifestyle, which she described was convenient.

The following year, she opted for a different tool because it was more affordable and she could ask it questions at any time. Her result was a full minute quicker than her goal time.

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

"With artificial intelligence you have to motivate yourself, which I actually prefer," she added.

Richard Gallimore

Significant Strength Gains

In a similar case, Another individual, 23, from Swansea, has been using AI for his exercise and nutrition programs, and said he has never felt stronger, boosting his chest press from 70kg to 110kg.

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

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

The free tool constructed a fitness and meal program personalized to his goals, and created organized workouts.

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

The Expense Comparison: Technology vs. Traditional Training

A recent survey in late 2024 compared prices for 17 of the largest fitness chains and found the typical monthly fee was around £38 a month, for standard full-access plans.

Fees started at a lower price at the cheapest provider to £132 at the highest-priced.

According to further data, fitness coaches set their own rates, typically a range of thirty to sixty-five pounds per 45-60 minute appointment in most areas and about a similar range in the capital.

Customers will often hire a coach one or two times a week and collaborate for a short period, but these arrangements are completely flexible.

A personal trainer

The Essential Human Element

Personal trainer Dafydd Judd, from Cardiff, acknowledged artificial intelligence can be beneficial to accelerate results, but is convinced it will never replace the personal interaction and accountability that live training offers.

This expert, who has 12 years experience as a trainer, specialises in older adults and recovery from injuries. He mentioned some of his clients also employ technology.

"In my opinion it's extremely useful, additional information is good," he said.

"I think the more that people are online the more they'll want human connection because they want the warmth from the comprehension that is missing from a computer," he continued.

Dafydd explained AI can inform clients and make guidance more effective.

But, he said true dedication comes when people appear physically for their sessions.

"As useful as it is at 2am, a computer cannot ensure you show up at 7am before work," he added.

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