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Leah Walsh

After a holiday period packed with indulgent treats and relaxation, numerous individuals enter the new year looking to regain their fitness momentum.

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

Tailored Plans and Adaptable Timelines

Leah Walsh employed an artificial intelligence application for impromptu training for the Cardiff Half Marathon.

This young woman from Aberdare explained she appreciated the freedom to pose queries any time of day – a feature she believed was unavailable with a personal trainer.

Leah relied on an AI-powered fitness application that gave her personalised plans with voice guidance and pace setting for her inaugural half marathon in 2024.

She said she requested it to create a regimen combining running and the weight training, and it generated an 11-week programme customized to her race date and goals.

The user then tweaked the plan to suit her daily routine, which she said was convenient.

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

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

A weightlifter

Significant Strength Gains

Meanwhile, Richard Gallimore, in his twenties, from Swansea, has been employing AI for his exercise and nutrition programs, and reported he has never felt stronger, increasing his chest press from a lower weight to a much heavier load.

He turned to a bot for help after being forced to walk a running event.

"I just knew I need to get myself in shape," he said.

The free tool built a workout and diet plan tailored to his goals, and created organized workouts.

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

The Expense Contrast: AI vs. Traditional Coaching

One recent study in the previous year analyzed prices for numerous of the largest gym brands and found the average membership cost was around £38 a month, for basic memberships.

Fees started at a lower price at the cheapest chain to a premium rate at the highest-priced.

Based on industry research, fitness coaches determine their own fees, typically £30-£65 per 45-60 minute appointment in most areas and about a similar range in London.

Customers typically use a trainer once or twice a week and collaborate for a short period, but these agreements are often adaptable.

Dafydd Judd

The Irreplaceable Personal Element

Personal trainer Dafydd Judd, based in Cardiff, said AI can be useful to accelerate results, but believes it will not supplant the personal interaction and responsibility that live training offers.

The 37-year-old, who has 12 years experience as a trainer, specialises in senior clients and recovery from injuries. He said some of his trainees also use AI.

"I think it's extremely useful, additional information is positive," he stated.

"I believe the more that people are connected digitally the more they'll desire personal contact because they want the warmth from the understanding that is missing from a machine," he added.

Dafydd said Artificial intelligence can educate users and make guidance more efficient.

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

"As useful as it is at 2am, a computer cannot ensure you show up at 7am before work," Dafydd concluded.

For many, he said, the gym is a space to leave phones behind and stop being glued to screens.