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Leah Walsh

Following a holiday period filled with indulgent treats and relaxation, many people enter the new year looking to get their fitness back on track.

However, is it possible that Artificial Intelligence be transforming the world of exercise by providing an option to personal trainers?

Tailored Plans and Adaptable Timelines

Leah Walsh used an artificial intelligence application for impromptu training for the Cardiff Half Marathon.

The 21-year-old hailing from Aberdare explained she appreciated the freedom to pose queries any time of day – something she believed was not possible with a personal trainer.

Leah relied on an AI-powered fitness application that provided her personalised plans with audio coaching and speed targets for her inaugural long-distance race in 2024.

She explained she asked it to design a regimen combining cardio and the weight training, and it generated an 11-week plan customized to her race date and objectives.

Leah then tweaked the schedule to fit her lifestyle, which she described was highly practical.

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

She noted she did not want the pressure from a live instructor.

"Using AI you have to motivate yourself, which I quite like," she added.

Richard Gallimore

Significant Fitness Improvements

Meanwhile, Another individual, 23, based in Swansea, has been employing artificial intelligence 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 bot for assistance after being unable to run a running event.

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

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

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

The Cost Comparison: AI vs. Traditional Coaching

One recent study in the previous year analyzed costs for numerous of the biggest gym brands and found the average membership cost was approximately forty pounds a month, for standard full-access plans.

Fees ranged from £23 at the cheapest provider to a premium rate at the highest-priced.

Based on further data, fitness coaches determine their own fees, typically a range of thirty to sixty-five pounds per hour-long appointment in most areas and about £45-£65 in London.

Customers will often use a coach one or two times a week and collaborate for a few months, but these agreements are often adaptable.

Dafydd Judd

The Essential Human Touch

Personal trainer Dafydd Judd, based in Cardiff, acknowledged AI can be useful to accelerate results, but is convinced it will never replace the human connection and responsibility that live training offers.

The 37-year-old, who has 12 years experience as a coach, specialises in senior clients and recovery from injuries. He mentioned a number of his clients also employ AI.

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

"I think the more that people are connected digitally the more they'll desire human connection because they crave the warmth from the comprehension that is absent from a machine," he added.

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

But, he said real commitment comes when people appear physically for their sessions.

"As useful as it is at the middle of the night, a computer cannot ensure you show up at 7am before work," he concluded.

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