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Leah Walsh

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

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

Tailored Programs and Adaptable Timelines

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

This young woman from Aberdare explained she appreciated the liberty to pose queries any time of day – something she believed was unavailable with a personal trainer.

Leah used an AI-driven fitness application that gave her personalised plans with audio coaching and pace setting for her inaugural long-distance race in 2024.

She said she requested it to create a regimen merging running and the weight training, and it generated an multi-week plan tailored to her race date and objectives.

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

The following year, she chose a different tool because it was cheaper and she could consult it at any time. Her result was a minute faster than her goal time.

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

"Using artificial intelligence you have to motivate yourself, which I quite like," she added.

Richard Gallimore

Significant Strength Gains

In a similar case, Richard Gallimore, 23, based in a Welsh city, has been employing AI for his exercise and nutrition programs, and reported he has never felt stronger, increasing his chest press from 70kg to 110kg.

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

"I just knew I need to sort myself out," he commented.

The free tool built a fitness and meal program personalized to his aims, and created structured routines.

"I train for about 120 minutes a day and I've seen a real difference," he said.

The Cost Contrast: Technology vs. Conventional Coaching

A recent survey in the previous year analyzed costs for 17 of the largest gym brands and found the typical monthly fee was around £38 per month, for basic memberships.

Fees started at a lower price at the cheapest chain to a premium rate at the most expensive.

According to industry research, personal trainers determine their own fees, usually £30-£65 per hour-long session in most areas and about a similar range in the capital.

Clients typically hire a trainer one or two times a week and work with them for a few months, however these arrangements are completely flexible.

Dafydd Judd

The Essential Personal Touch

Fitness coach one experienced professional, from the Welsh capital, said artificial intelligence can be beneficial to accelerate results, but believes it will never replace the human connection and accountability that live training provides.

The 37-year-old, who has over a decade of experience as a coach, specialises in older adults and injury rehabilitation. He said some of his clients also employ technology.

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

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

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

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

"No matter how helpful as it is at 2am, a digital tool won't keep you accountable at 7am before work," he added.

For many, he said, the gym is a place to disconnect from devices and take a break from technology.