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Leah Walsh

After a holiday period packed with rich foods and downtime, numerous individuals head into the new year looking to regain their fitness momentum.

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

Tailored Plans and Flexible Schedules

One fitness enthusiast employed an AI tool for last-minute preparation for the Cardiff Half Marathon.

This young woman hailing from Aberdare said she liked the freedom to pose queries any time of day – a feature she felt was not possible with a traditional coach.

Leah used an AI-driven running app that gave her customized schedules with voice guidance and speed targets for her inaugural long-distance race in recent years.

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

The user then tweaked the schedule to suit her lifestyle, which she described was convenient.

The following year, she opted for a different tool because it was more affordable and she could consult it at any time. She finished a minute faster than her goal time.

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

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

A weightlifter

Significant Fitness Gains

In a similar case, Richard Gallimore, in his twenties, based in a Welsh city, has been using artificial intelligence for his exercise and nutrition programs, and reported he has achieved peak strength, increasing his chest press from a lower weight to a much heavier load.

He resorted to a bot for help after being forced to walk a race.

"I realized I need to get myself in shape," he commented.

The free tool constructed a workout and diet plan personalized to his goals, and established structured routines.

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

The Cost Comparison: AI vs. Traditional Training

A recent survey in the previous year compared prices for 17 of the biggest fitness chains and found the typical monthly fee was approximately forty pounds a month, for basic full-access plans.

Fees started at £23 at the most affordable provider to a premium rate at the highest-priced.

Based on further data, personal trainers set their own rates, typically £30-£65 per 45-60 minute session outside London and about a similar range in London.

Clients will often hire a trainer once or twice a week and work with them for a few months, but these arrangements are completely flexible.

Dafydd Judd

The Irreplaceable Personal Touch

Personal trainer Dafydd Judd, from the Welsh capital, acknowledged AI can be beneficial to speed up progress, but is convinced it will not supplant the human connection and accountability that live training offers.

This expert, who has over a decade of experience as a trainer, specialises in senior clients and injury rehabilitation. He mentioned a number of his clients also employ AI.

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

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

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

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

"As useful as it is at 2am, a digital tool cannot ensure you show up at early morning before work," he concluded.

For many, he suggested, the fitness center is a space to leave phones behind and stop being glued to screens.