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Leah Walsh

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

However, is it possible that AI be changing the world of exercise by providing an option to human coaches?

Personalized Programs and Flexible Schedules

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

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

Leah relied on an AI-powered fitness application that provided her customized schedules with voice guidance and speed targets for her first long-distance race in 2024.

She explained she asked it to design a regimen merging running and the weight training, and it produced an multi-week plan tailored to her race date and objectives.

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

Subsequently, she opted for a alternative application because it was cheaper and she could ask it questions at any time. She finished a minute faster than her goal time.

She noted she did not want the pressure from a human personal trainer.

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

Richard Gallimore

Remarkable Fitness Improvements

Meanwhile, Richard Gallimore, 23, based in Swansea, has been employing artificial intelligence for his fitness and diet plans, and said he has achieved peak strength, increasing his chest press from 70kg to a much heavier load.

Richard turned to a AI assistant for assistance after being forced to walk a race.

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

This no-cost application constructed a fitness and meal program tailored to his goals, and established structured routines.

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

The Cost Contrast: AI vs. Traditional Training

A recent survey in the previous year compared prices for numerous of the biggest gym brands and found the average membership cost was around £38 a month, for standard full-access plans.

Prices started at a lower price at the most affordable provider to £132 at the most expensive.

According to industry research, fitness coaches determine their own fees, typically a range of thirty to sixty-five pounds per hour-long appointment outside London and about a similar range in London.

Customers will often hire a trainer one or two times a week and work with them for a few months, but these arrangements are often adaptable.

Dafydd Judd

The Irreplaceable Personal Element

Fitness coach one experienced professional, based in the Welsh capital, acknowledged artificial intelligence can be beneficial to accelerate results, but is convinced it will never replace the human connection and accountability that in-person coaching provides.

The 37-year-old, who has 12 years experience as a trainer, focuses on older adults and injury rehabilitation. He said some of his trainees also use AI.

"I think it's very valuable, more knowledge is good," he stated.

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

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

However, he argued real commitment comes when people show up physically for their sessions.

"No matter how helpful as it is at 2am, a digital tool won't keep you accountable at 7am before work," Dafydd concluded.

For many, he suggested, the gym is a space to disconnect from devices and take a break from technology.