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Leah Walsh

Following a holiday period filled with indulgent treats and downtime, many people head into January aiming to get their fitness back on track.

But, is it possible that AI be transforming the world of exercise by offering an option to human coaches?

Personalized Programs and Adaptable Schedules

One fitness enthusiast employed an artificial intelligence application for last-minute preparation for the a major running event.

This young woman 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.

She used an AI-driven running app that provided her customized schedules with audio coaching and pace setting for her first half marathon in 2024.

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

Leah then tweaked the schedule to suit her daily routine, which she said was highly practical.

Subsequently, she opted for a different tool because it was more affordable and she could ask it questions whenever she wanted. Her result was a minute faster than her goal time.

She said she did not want feeling pressure from a live instructor.

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

Richard Gallimore

Significant Fitness Gains

In a similar case, Another individual, 23, based in Swansea, has been employing artificial intelligence for his exercise and nutrition programs, and reported he has achieved peak strength, boosting his chest press from a lower weight to a much heavier load.

Richard resorted to a bot for help after being unable to run a running event.

"I realized I had to sort myself out," he commented.

This no-cost application built a fitness and meal program personalized to his aims, and created organized workouts.

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

The Cost Contrast: AI vs. Traditional Training

A recent study 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 most affordable provider to a premium rate at the highest-priced.

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

Clients typically use a trainer once or twice a week and work with them for a few months, however these agreements are often adaptable.

Dafydd Judd

The Irreplaceable Personal Element

Personal trainer one experienced professional, based in Cardiff, acknowledged artificial intelligence can be beneficial to accelerate results, but is convinced it will never replace the human connection and accountability that live training offers.

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 employ AI.

"In my opinion it's extremely useful, additional information is positive," he said.

"I think the more people are connected digitally the more they'll want personal contact because they want the empathy from the understanding that is absent from a machine," he continued.

The trainer said AI can inform clients and make guidance more efficient.

However, he argued true dedication comes when people appear physically for training.

"As useful as it is at 2am, a computer won't keep you accountable at 7am before work," he added.

For many, he said, the gym is a space to leave phones behind and take a break from technology.