🔗 Share this article

A runner

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

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

Personalized Programs and Adaptable Schedules

One fitness enthusiast used an AI tool 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 any time of day – something she felt was not possible with a traditional coach.

She used an AI-driven fitness application that provided her personalised plans with audio coaching and speed targets for her inaugural long-distance race in 2024.

She explained she requested it to design a regimen merging cardio and the gym, and it generated an 11-week plan customized to her event day and objectives.

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

The following year, she chose a alternative application because it was cheaper and she could consult it whenever she wanted. She finished a minute faster than her target finish.

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

"With artificial intelligence you have to motivate yourself, which I quite like," she remarked.

Richard Gallimore

Significant Fitness Gains

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

He turned to a bot for assistance after being forced to walk a running event.

"I just knew I had to sort myself out," he said.

This no-cost application constructed a workout and diet plan personalized to his aims, and created structured routines.

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

The Expense Comparison: AI vs. Conventional Training

One recent survey in late 2024 analyzed prices for numerous of the biggest gym brands and found the typical monthly fee was around £38 a month, for standard full-access plans.

Fees started at £23 at the most affordable chain to a premium rate at the highest-priced.

Based on further data, personal trainers determine their own fees, typically a range of thirty to sixty-five pounds per hour-long session outside London and about a similar range in London.

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

Dafydd Judd

The Essential Personal Touch

Personal trainer one experienced professional, from Cardiff, said artificial intelligence can be useful to accelerate results, but believes it will never replace the personal interaction and responsibility that in-person coaching provides.

The 37-year-old, who has 12 years experience as a trainer, specialises in senior clients and recovery from injuries. He mentioned a number of his clients also employ technology.

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

"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 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 training.

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

For many, he said, the fitness center is a place to leave phones behind and stop being glued to screens.