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Leah Walsh

After a holiday period filled with rich foods and relaxation, numerous individuals enter the new year aiming to get their fitness back on track.

However, is it possible that AI be transforming the world of exercise by providing an option to human coaches?

Personalized Plans and Flexible Schedules

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

This young woman hailing from a town in Wales explained she appreciated the freedom to pose queries any time of day – a feature she believed was not possible with a personal trainer.

Leah relied on an AI-powered running app that provided her customized schedules with audio coaching and pace setting for her first long-distance race in 2024.

She said she requested it to design a plan combining cardio and the gym, and it produced an multi-week programme tailored to her event day and goals.

Leah then tweaked the plan to fit 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 noted she did not want feeling pressure from a human personal trainer.

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

Richard Gallimore

Significant Strength Gains

In a similar case, Another individual, 23, based in Swansea, has been employing AI for his fitness and diet plans, and said he has achieved peak strength, boosting his bench press from a lower weight to a much heavier load.

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

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

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

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

The Expense Contrast: Technology vs. Traditional Training

One recent survey in the previous year compared costs for 17 of the largest fitness chains and found the typical monthly fee was around £38 per month, for basic full-access plans.

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

Based on further data, personal trainers set their own rates, usually £30-£65 per 45-60 minute appointment outside London and about £45-£65 in London.

Clients typically hire a trainer one or two times a week and work with them for a few months, but these agreements are completely flexible.

Dafydd Judd

The Irreplaceable Human Touch

Personal trainer Dafydd Judd, from the Welsh capital, said artificial intelligence can be beneficial to speed up progress, but believes it will not supplant the personal interaction and accountability that in-person coaching offers.

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

"I think it's very valuable, more knowledge is positive," he said.

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

The trainer explained Artificial intelligence can educate clients and make coaching more effective.

However, he argued true dedication comes when people show up physically for training.

"No matter how helpful as it is at the middle of the night, a digital tool cannot ensure you show up at early morning before work," he added.

In the view of many, he suggested, the gym is a place to disconnect from devices and take a break from technology.