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A runner

After a festive period filled with rich foods and relaxation, many people enter the new year looking to get their fitness back on track.

But, could AI be changing the world of exercise by providing an option to human coaches?

Personalized Plans and Flexible Timelines

One fitness enthusiast employed an artificial intelligence application for impromptu training for the Cardiff Half Marathon.

This young woman hailing from a town in Wales explained she appreciated the freedom to pose queries at all hours – something she believed was not possible with a personal trainer.

Leah used an AI-driven fitness application that provided her personalised plans with voice guidance and speed targets for her first long-distance race in 2024.

She explained she asked it to create a regimen merging running and the gym, and it generated an multi-week plan customized to her event day and objectives.

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

Subsequently, she chose a alternative application because it was cheaper and she could ask it questions at any time. She finished a full minute quicker than her goal time.

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

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

Richard Gallimore

Remarkable Fitness Gains

Meanwhile, Richard Gallimore, 23, based in a Welsh city, has been using artificial intelligence for his fitness and diet plans, and reported he has achieved peak strength, boosting his chest press from a lower weight to a much heavier load.

Richard resorted to a bot for help after being unable to run a race.

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

This no-cost application constructed a fitness and meal program tailored to his goals, and created structured routines.

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

The Cost Contrast: Technology vs. Conventional Training

One recent study in late 2024 compared costs for 17 of the largest fitness chains and found the typical monthly fee was around £38 per month, based on basic memberships.

Prices 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 a range of thirty to sixty-five pounds per hour-long appointment in most areas and about a similar range in London.

Clients will often hire a coach one or two times a week and work with them for a short period, however these arrangements are often adaptable.

A personal trainer

The Essential Human Element

Personal trainer Dafydd Judd, based in the Welsh capital, acknowledged AI can be useful to speed up progress, but is convinced it will never replace the personal interaction and accountability that in-person coaching provides.

The 37-year-old, who has 12 years experience as a coach, focuses on senior clients and recovery from injuries. He said a number of his clients also employ technology.

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

"I believe the more that people are online the more they'll desire personal contact because they want the empathy from the understanding that is absent from a machine," he continued.

The trainer explained AI can educate clients and make coaching more efficient.

However, he said real commitment comes when people show up physically for their sessions.

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

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