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Leah Walsh

After a festive period filled with indulgent treats and relaxation, many people head into January aiming to regain their fitness momentum.

However, could Artificial Intelligence be transforming the world of exercise by offering an option to personal trainers?

Tailored Programs and Adaptable Schedules

Leah Walsh used an AI tool for last-minute training for the Cardiff Half Marathon.

The 21-year-old from a town in Wales explained she appreciated the freedom to ask it questions any time of day – a feature she believed was unavailable with a personal trainer.

Leah used an AI-powered running app that provided her personalised plans with audio coaching and speed targets for her inaugural long-distance race in 2024.

She said she asked it to create a plan merging cardio and the gym, and it generated an multi-week programme tailored to her race date and goals.

Leah then adjusted the plan to suit her lifestyle, which she described was highly practical.

Subsequently, she opted for a alternative application because it was more affordable and she could consult it whenever she wanted. Her result was a minute faster than her goal time.

She noted she wanted to avoid the pressure from a human personal trainer.

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

Richard Gallimore

Remarkable Fitness Improvements

Meanwhile, Another individual, 23, based in a Welsh city, has been using AI for his exercise and nutrition programs, and said he has never felt stronger, increasing his chest press from a lower weight to a much heavier load.

Richard turned to a AI assistant for assistance after being unable to run a race.

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

This no-cost application constructed a workout and diet plan personalized to his aims, and created structured routines.

"I work out for about 120 minutes a day and I've seen a noticeable change," he added.

The Cost Comparison: AI vs. Conventional Coaching

One recent study in the previous year analyzed prices for numerous of the biggest gym brands and found the typical monthly fee was around £38 a month, based on standard memberships.

Prices started at £23 at the most affordable chain to a premium rate at the highest-priced.

Based on further data, personal trainers determine their own fees, usually a range of thirty to sixty-five pounds per 45-60 minute session in most areas and about £45-£65 in the capital.

Clients typically hire a trainer one or two times a week and collaborate for a short period, however these agreements are completely flexible.

Dafydd Judd

The Irreplaceable Human Element

Fitness coach Dafydd Judd, from the Welsh capital, said artificial intelligence can be useful to accelerate results, but is convinced it will not supplant the personal interaction and responsibility that live training provides.

This expert, who has over a decade of experience as a trainer, specialises in older adults and recovery from injuries. He mentioned some of his clients also use AI.

"In my opinion it's extremely useful, more knowledge is positive," he stated.

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

The trainer explained Artificial intelligence can inform users and make coaching more effective.

However, he argued real commitment comes when people appear in person for training.

"As useful as it is at 2am, a computer won't keep you accountable at early morning before work," Dafydd concluded.

In the view of many, he suggested, the gym is a space to disconnect from devices and stop being glued to screens.