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Leah Walsh

Following a festive period filled with rich foods and downtime, many people head into the new year aiming to get their fitness back on track.

But, could AI be transforming the world of exercise by providing an option to human coaches?

Tailored Programs and Adaptable Schedules

One fitness enthusiast used an artificial intelligence application for impromptu preparation for the a major running event.

This young woman hailing from a town in Wales said she liked the freedom to ask it questions at all hours – a feature she believed was unavailable with a personal trainer.

She used an AI-powered running app that provided her customized schedules with voice guidance and pace setting for her inaugural long-distance race in 2024.

She explained she requested it to design a regimen merging running and the gym, and it produced an 11-week plan customized to her race date and objectives.

Leah then adjusted the schedule to fit her daily routine, which she described was highly practical.

Subsequently, she chose a alternative application because it was cheaper and she could ask it questions whenever she wanted. She finished a minute faster than her target finish.

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

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

A weightlifter

Significant Strength Gains

Meanwhile, Richard Gallimore, 23, based in a Welsh city, has been using artificial intelligence for his exercise and nutrition programs, and said he has achieved peak strength, increasing his chest press from a lower weight to 110kg.

He resorted to a AI assistant for assistance 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 workout and diet plan personalized to his goals, and established organized workouts.

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

The Expense Contrast: Technology vs. Traditional Training

One recent survey in the previous year analyzed costs for 17 of the largest fitness chains and found the typical monthly fee was approximately forty pounds a month, for basic full-access plans.

Fees ranged from a lower price at the cheapest provider to a premium rate at the most expensive.

According to industry research, fitness coaches set their own rates, typically £30-£65 per 45-60 minute session outside London and about a similar range in London.

Clients will often hire a trainer one or two times a week and collaborate for a short period, but these arrangements are completely flexible.

A personal trainer

The Essential Human Touch

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

This expert, who has 12 years experience as a trainer, focuses on older adults and injury rehabilitation. He mentioned some of his clients also use technology.

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

"I think the more people are online the more they'll desire personal contact because they want the warmth from the understanding that is missing from a computer," he added.

The trainer explained Artificial intelligence can educate users and make coaching more efficient.

But, he said real commitment comes when people show up in person for their sessions.

"As useful as it is at the middle of the night, a computer won't keep you accountable 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.