🔗 Share this article

Leah Walsh

After a festive period filled with rich foods and downtime, numerous individuals head into January aiming to get their fitness back on track.

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

Personalized Programs and Flexible Timelines

One fitness enthusiast employed an AI tool for impromptu preparation for the Cardiff Half Marathon.

This young woman hailing from Aberdare said she liked the freedom to pose queries at all hours – something she felt was unavailable with a personal trainer.

She used an AI-powered running app that gave her personalised plans with voice guidance and speed targets for her first long-distance race in 2024.

She explained she requested it to design a regimen combining cardio and the weight training, and it produced an multi-week programme tailored to her event day and goals.

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

The following year, she chose a alternative application because it was cheaper and she could ask it questions at any time. Her result was a minute faster than her goal time.

She noted she wanted to avoid feeling pressure from a live instructor.

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

Richard Gallimore

Remarkable Fitness Gains

In a similar case, Another individual, 23, 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 70kg to 110kg.

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

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

This no-cost application built a workout and diet plan tailored to his aims, and established organized workouts.

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

The Cost Contrast: AI vs. Conventional Coaching

One recent study in the previous year analyzed prices for 17 of the largest gym brands and found the average membership cost was approximately forty pounds per month, based on basic full-access plans.

Prices started at a lower price at the most affordable chain to a premium rate at the highest-priced.

According to further data, personal trainers determine their own fees, usually £30-£65 per hour-long session in most areas and about a similar range in the capital.

Clients typically use a trainer once or twice a week and work with them for a short period, but these agreements are completely flexible.

A personal trainer

The Irreplaceable Human Touch

Personal trainer Dafydd Judd, from Cardiff, acknowledged AI can be useful to accelerate results, but is convinced it will not supplant the human connection and responsibility that live training provides.

This expert, who has 12 years experience as a coach, specialises in senior clients and recovery from injuries. He said some of his clients also employ technology.

"I think it's very valuable, additional information is positive," he said.

"I believe the more people are connected digitally the more they'll desire personal contact because they want the warmth from the comprehension that is absent from a computer," he continued.

The trainer explained AI can inform clients and make guidance more effective.

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

"As useful as it is at the middle of the night, a computer won't keep you accountable at 7am before work," Dafydd concluded.

In the view of many, he said, the fitness center is a place to leave phones behind and take a break from technology.