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Leah Walsh

After a holiday period filled with indulgent treats and downtime, numerous individuals enter the new year aiming to get their fitness back on track.

But, is it possible that Artificial Intelligence be changing the world of exercise by offering an option to human coaches?

Tailored Programs and Flexible Timelines

One fitness enthusiast used an AI tool for impromptu training for the a major running event.

The 21-year-old from a town in Wales said she liked the freedom to pose queries any time of day – a feature she believed was not possible with a personal trainer.

Leah used an AI-driven running app that provided her personalised plans with audio coaching and speed targets for her first half marathon in 2024.

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

The user then adjusted the schedule to fit her daily routine, which she said was highly practical.

The following year, she opted for a alternative application because it was more affordable and she could consult it whenever she wanted. Her result was a full minute quicker than her target finish.

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

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

Richard Gallimore

Remarkable Strength Gains

Meanwhile, Richard Gallimore, 23, from a Welsh city, has been using artificial intelligence for his fitness and diet plans, and said he has never felt stronger, boosting his bench press from a lower weight to a much heavier load.

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

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

This no-cost application constructed a workout and diet plan tailored to his goals, and established structured routines.

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

The Expense Comparison: Technology vs. Traditional Coaching

A recent survey in the previous year compared costs for numerous of the largest fitness chains and found the typical monthly fee was around £38 a month, based on standard full-access plans.

Prices ranged from a lower price at the cheapest provider to a premium rate at the highest-priced.

Based on further data, fitness coaches set their own rates, usually £30-£65 per hour-long appointment outside London and about £45-£65 in London.

Clients typically hire a coach one or two times a week and work with them for a short period, but these arrangements are completely flexible.

Dafydd Judd

The Irreplaceable Personal Element

Personal trainer one experienced professional, based in the Welsh capital, said artificial intelligence can be useful to speed up progress, but is convinced it will not supplant the personal interaction and responsibility that in-person coaching offers.

The 37-year-old, who has over a decade of experience as a coach, specialises in senior clients and recovery from injuries. He said a number of his trainees also employ technology.

"I think it's extremely useful, more knowledge is positive," he stated.

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

Dafydd explained AI can educate clients and make coaching more effective.

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

"As useful as it is at 2am, a digital tool cannot ensure you show up at early morning before work," he concluded.

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