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A runner

After a festive period packed with rich foods and downtime, many people head into the new year looking to regain their fitness momentum.

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

Tailored Plans and Adaptable Schedules

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

This young woman from a town in Wales said she appreciated the freedom to ask it questions any time of day – something she believed was not possible with a traditional coach.

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

She explained she requested it to create a plan combining running and the weight training, and it generated an 11-week programme customized to her event day and goals.

The user then adjusted the plan to suit her lifestyle, which she described was highly practical.

Subsequently, she chose a different tool because it was more affordable and she could consult it whenever she wanted. She finished a minute faster than her target finish.

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

"With AI you have to motivate yourself, which I actually prefer," she remarked.

Richard Gallimore

Remarkable Fitness Gains

In a similar case, Another individual, in his twenties, based in a Welsh city, has been using AI for his fitness and diet plans, and reported he has achieved peak strength, increasing his chest press from 70kg to 110kg.

He resorted to a AI assistant for assistance after being unable to run a race.

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

The free tool built a fitness and meal program personalized to his goals, and established organized workouts.

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

The Cost Comparison: Technology vs. Traditional Training

A recent study in late 2024 analyzed costs for 17 of the largest gym brands and found the average membership cost was around £38 per month, based on basic full-access plans.

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

Based on further data, personal trainers determine their own fees, usually a range of thirty to sixty-five pounds per 45-60 minute appointment outside London and about a similar range in London.

Customers typically hire a coach once or twice a week and work with them for a few months, but these agreements are completely flexible.

Dafydd Judd

The Irreplaceable Human Touch

Fitness coach Dafydd Judd, based in Cardiff, said AI can be useful to accelerate results, but believes it will not supplant the personal interaction and responsibility that in-person coaching offers.

This expert, who has over a decade of experience as a trainer, focuses on senior clients and injury rehabilitation. He mentioned a number of his trainees also use technology.

"I think it's extremely useful, more knowledge is positive," he said.

"I believe 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 added.

Dafydd said Artificial intelligence can inform clients and make coaching more effective.

But, he argued true dedication comes when people show up physically for their sessions.

"As useful as it is at 2am, a digital tool won't keep you accountable at 7am before work," he concluded.

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