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Leah Walsh

Following a festive period packed with rich foods and relaxation, numerous individuals head into the new year looking to get their fitness back on track.

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

Tailored Programs and Adaptable Schedules

One fitness enthusiast used an AI tool for last-minute preparation for the a major running event.

The 21-year-old from a town in Wales explained she liked the liberty to ask it questions any time of day – a feature she believed was unavailable with a traditional coach.

Leah used an AI-powered running app that provided her personalised plans with voice guidance and pace setting for her first half marathon in 2024.

She explained she requested it to create a regimen combining cardio and the weight training, and it produced an 11-week programme customized to her event day and objectives.

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

Subsequently, she chose a alternative application because it was more affordable and she could consult it whenever she wanted. Her result was a full minute quicker than her target finish.

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

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

A weightlifter

Significant Strength Improvements

Meanwhile, Another individual, 23, based in a Welsh city, has been employing AI for his fitness and diet plans, and said he has never felt stronger, increasing his chest press from a lower weight to a much heavier load.

He resorted to a AI assistant for assistance after being forced to walk a running event.

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

The free tool built a workout and diet plan personalized to his goals, and established organized workouts.

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

The Expense Comparison: Technology vs. Traditional Training

One recent survey in late 2024 analyzed prices for 17 of the largest gym brands and found the average membership cost was approximately forty pounds per month, for standard memberships.

Prices ranged from a lower price at the most affordable provider to a premium rate at the highest-priced.

Based on industry research, personal trainers determine their own fees, usually £30-£65 per hour-long session in most areas and about a similar range in London.

Customers will often use a coach once or twice a week and collaborate for a few months, but these arrangements are completely flexible.

Dafydd Judd

The Irreplaceable Human Element

Fitness coach Dafydd Judd, from the Welsh capital, acknowledged artificial intelligence can be useful to speed up progress, but believes it will never replace the personal interaction and accountability that in-person coaching offers.

This expert, who has over a decade of experience as a coach, focuses on older adults and recovery from injuries. He mentioned a number of his trainees also employ technology.

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

"I believe the more people are online the more they'll desire human connection because they crave the empathy from the comprehension that is absent from a machine," he added.

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

However, he said true dedication comes when people appear physically for their sessions.

"No matter how helpful as it is at the middle of the night, a digital tool won't keep you accountable at 7am before work," he concluded.

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