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Leah Walsh

After a festive period filled with indulgent treats and relaxation, many people head into January looking to regain their fitness momentum.

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

Tailored Plans and Flexible Timelines

Leah Walsh employed an AI tool for last-minute preparation for the Cardiff Half Marathon.

The 21-year-old from Aberdare said she appreciated the liberty to pose queries at all hours – something she believed was not possible with a traditional coach.

Leah relied on an AI-driven running app that gave her customized schedules with audio coaching and pace setting for her inaugural half marathon in 2024.

She explained she requested it to create a plan merging running and the weight training, and it produced an 11-week programme customized to her race date and objectives.

Leah then tweaked the schedule to suit her lifestyle, which she said was highly practical.

Subsequently, she chose a different tool because it was more affordable and she could ask it questions whenever she wanted. Her result was a minute faster than her target finish.

She said she wanted to avoid the pressure from a live instructor.

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

A weightlifter

Significant Strength Improvements

In a similar case, Richard Gallimore, in his twenties, based in a Welsh city, has been using artificial intelligence for his exercise and nutrition programs, and reported he has never felt stronger, boosting his chest press from a lower weight to a much heavier load.

Richard resorted to a bot for assistance after being forced to walk a race.

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

The free tool built a fitness and meal program tailored to his aims, and created organized workouts.

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

The Cost Comparison: AI vs. Conventional Coaching

A recent study in late 2024 compared costs for numerous of the biggest gym brands and found the typical monthly fee was approximately forty pounds a month, for basic memberships.

Prices ranged from £23 at the cheapest chain to £132 at the highest-priced.

According to industry research, personal trainers determine their own fees, usually £30-£65 per 45-60 minute appointment in most areas and about a similar range in the capital.

Clients typically use a trainer once or twice a week and collaborate for a short period, however these agreements are often adaptable.

A personal trainer

The Essential Human Element

Personal trainer Dafydd Judd, from Cardiff, acknowledged artificial intelligence can be useful to speed up progress, but is convinced it will never replace the personal interaction and responsibility that live training provides.

This expert, who has over a decade of experience as a coach, specialises in older adults and recovery from injuries. He said a number of his trainees also employ AI.

"In my opinion it's extremely useful, additional information is good," he said.

"I think the more people are connected digitally the more they'll desire personal contact because they crave the empathy from the understanding that is missing from a computer," he continued.

The trainer said Artificial intelligence 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 2am, a digital tool won't keep you accountable at 7am before work," he concluded.

In the view of many, he said, the gym is a space to leave phones behind and stop being glued to screens.