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Leah Walsh

After a holiday period packed with rich foods and downtime, many people enter January aiming to get their fitness back on track.

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

Tailored Programs and Adaptable Schedules

One fitness enthusiast employed an artificial intelligence application for impromptu preparation for the Cardiff Half Marathon.

This young woman hailing from a town in Wales explained she liked the freedom to pose queries at all hours – a feature she believed was not possible with a traditional coach.

Leah used an AI-powered fitness application that provided her customized schedules with voice guidance and speed targets for her inaugural half marathon in recent years.

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 objectives.

Leah then tweaked the plan to fit her lifestyle, which she described was highly practical.

Subsequently, she chose a alternative application because it was cheaper and she could consult it at any time. Her result was a full minute quicker than her goal time.

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

"Using artificial intelligence you have to motivate yourself, which I actually prefer," she remarked.

Richard Gallimore

Remarkable Strength Improvements

Meanwhile, Richard Gallimore, in his twenties, from Swansea, has been using AI for his exercise and nutrition programs, and reported he has never felt stronger, boosting his chest press from 70kg to 110kg.

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

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

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

"I train for about 120 minutes a day and I've seen a real difference," he added.

The Expense Contrast: Technology vs. Traditional Training

One recent study in the previous year compared costs for 17 of the largest fitness chains and found the average membership cost was around £38 a month, for standard full-access plans.

Fees started at a lower price at the cheapest chain to £132 at the highest-priced.

According to further data, personal trainers determine their own fees, usually £30-£65 per 45-60 minute session outside London and about £45-£65 in the capital.

Customers will often use a coach once or twice a week and collaborate for a short period, however these agreements are completely flexible.

A personal trainer

The Essential Human Touch

Personal trainer one experienced professional, from Cardiff, acknowledged AI can be useful to accelerate results, but believes it will never replace the personal interaction and accountability that in-person coaching offers.

The 37-year-old, who has over a decade of experience as a coach, focuses on older adults and injury rehabilitation. He mentioned some of his clients also use AI.

"In my opinion it's extremely useful, more knowledge is good," he said.

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

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

However, he argued true dedication comes when people show up in person for their sessions.

"As useful as it is at the middle of the night, a digital tool won't keep you accountable at early morning before work," Dafydd concluded.

For many, he suggested, the fitness center is a place to disconnect from devices and stop being glued to screens.