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Leah Walsh

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

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

Personalized Programs and Flexible Schedules

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

The 21-year-old from Aberdare said she liked the freedom to ask it questions any time of day – a feature she felt was not possible with a traditional coach.

She used an AI-powered fitness application that gave her personalised plans with audio coaching and speed targets for her inaugural half marathon in recent years.

She explained she requested it to design a plan merging cardio and the weight training, and it produced an 11-week programme customized to her event day and goals.

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

The following year, she opted for a alternative application because it was more affordable and she could ask it questions at any time. Her result was a minute faster than her goal time.

She noted she wanted to avoid feeling pressure from a human personal trainer.

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

A weightlifter

Remarkable Strength Improvements

In a similar case, Richard Gallimore, 23, based in Swansea, has been using artificial intelligence for his fitness and diet plans, and reported he has never felt stronger, boosting his chest press from a lower weight to 110kg.

He turned to a AI assistant for help after being unable to run a running event.

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

The free tool constructed a fitness and meal program tailored to his goals, and created structured routines.

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

The Expense Contrast: AI vs. Conventional Coaching

One recent study in the previous year analyzed prices for 17 of the largest gym brands and found the average membership cost was approximately forty pounds a month, for standard full-access plans.

Prices ranged from £23 at the most affordable chain to £132 at the highest-priced.

Based on industry research, fitness coaches determine their own fees, usually a range of thirty to sixty-five pounds per hour-long appointment outside London and about a similar range in the capital.

Clients will often use a trainer one or two times a week and work with them for a few months, however these arrangements are often adaptable.

Dafydd Judd

The Irreplaceable Human Element

Personal trainer one experienced professional, from Cardiff, acknowledged AI can be beneficial to speed up progress, but believes it will never replace the human connection and responsibility that in-person coaching offers.

This expert, who has 12 years experience as a coach, focuses on senior clients and recovery from injuries. He mentioned a number of his trainees also employ technology.

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

"I think the more that people are connected digitally the more they'll desire personal contact because they want the warmth from the understanding that is missing from a computer," he continued.

The trainer said AI can educate clients and make coaching more effective.

But, he argued true dedication comes when people appear physically for training.

"As useful 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 space to disconnect from devices and stop being glued to screens.