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Leah Walsh

After a holiday period filled with indulgent treats and relaxation, numerous individuals head into January aiming to get their fitness back on track.

However, is it possible that Artificial Intelligence be changing the world of exercise by offering an alternative to personal trainers?

Personalized Plans and Adaptable Schedules

One fitness enthusiast employed an artificial intelligence application for impromptu training for the Cardiff Half Marathon.

This young woman hailing from Aberdare explained she liked the liberty to pose queries any time of day – something she believed was unavailable with a traditional coach.

She relied on an AI-powered running app that provided her personalised plans with audio coaching and speed targets for her first half marathon in 2024.

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

Leah then adjusted the schedule to suit her lifestyle, which she described was highly practical.

Subsequently, she chose a different tool because it was more affordable and she could ask it questions whenever she wanted. She finished 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 motivate yourself, which I actually prefer," she added.

Richard Gallimore

Significant Fitness Improvements

Meanwhile, Richard Gallimore, in his twenties, based in a Welsh city, has been employing artificial intelligence for his fitness and diet plans, and reported he has never felt stronger, increasing his chest press from a lower weight to a much heavier load.

Richard turned to a AI assistant for help after being forced to walk a running event.

"I realized I need to get myself in shape," he commented.

This no-cost application constructed 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 said.

The Expense Comparison: Technology vs. Traditional Coaching

A recent study in the previous year compared prices for numerous of the largest gym brands and found the average membership cost was around £38 per month, based on basic memberships.

Prices ranged from a lower price at the most affordable chain to £132 at the highest-priced.

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

Customers will often hire a coach one or two times a week and work with them for a few months, but these agreements are completely flexible.

A personal trainer

The Irreplaceable Human Touch

Fitness coach one experienced professional, from Cardiff, acknowledged AI can be beneficial to speed up progress, but is convinced it will not supplant the personal interaction and responsibility that live training offers.

This expert, who has 12 years experience as a coach, focuses on older adults and injury rehabilitation. He said a number of his trainees also use AI.

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

"I think the more that people are online the more they'll desire personal contact because they want the warmth from the comprehension that is absent from a machine," he continued.

The trainer explained AI can inform users and make coaching more efficient.

But, he argued true dedication comes when people show up in person for training.

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

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