🔗 Share this article

Leah Walsh

After a holiday period filled with indulgent treats and downtime, numerous individuals enter the new year aiming to get their fitness back on track.

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

Personalized Programs and Flexible Timelines

Leah Walsh employed an artificial intelligence application for last-minute training for the a major running event.

This young woman from Aberdare said she liked the freedom to pose queries at all hours – something she believed was not possible with a personal trainer.

She used an AI-driven fitness application that provided her customized schedules with audio coaching and pace setting for her inaugural half marathon in 2024.

She said she asked it to design a regimen merging cardio and the gym, and it generated an multi-week plan customized to her event day and goals.

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

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

She noted she did not want feeling pressure from a human personal trainer.

"With AI you have to find your own drive, which I quite like," she added.

Richard Gallimore

Significant Fitness Gains

Meanwhile, Richard Gallimore, in his twenties, from a Welsh city, has been using AI for his exercise and nutrition programs, and reported he has achieved peak strength, increasing his bench press from 70kg to 110kg.

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

"I just knew I had to get myself in shape," he said.

This no-cost application built a fitness and meal program personalized to his aims, and established structured routines.

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

The Cost Contrast: Technology vs. Traditional Coaching

A recent survey in late 2024 compared prices for 17 of the largest fitness chains and found the typical monthly fee was around £38 per month, based on standard memberships.

Prices started at £23 at the most affordable provider to £132 at the highest-priced.

Based on industry research, fitness coaches set their own rates, typically £30-£65 per 45-60 minute appointment in most areas and about a similar range in London.

Customers typically use a coach one or two times a week and work with them for a few months, however these agreements are completely flexible.

Dafydd Judd

The Irreplaceable Personal Element

Personal trainer Dafydd Judd, based in the Welsh capital, acknowledged AI can be useful to speed up progress, but believes it will not supplant the personal interaction and accountability that in-person coaching provides.

This expert, who has over a decade of experience as a coach, focuses on senior clients and recovery from injuries. He said a number of his clients also use technology.

"In my opinion it's very valuable, more knowledge is positive," he stated.

"I think the more people are online the more they'll want human connection because they crave the empathy from the understanding that is missing from a computer," he added.

The trainer explained AI can inform clients and make coaching more effective.

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

"As useful as it is at the middle of the night, a digital tool cannot ensure you show up at 7am before work," Dafydd added.

In the view of many, he said, the fitness center is a space to leave phones behind and take a break from technology.