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Leah Walsh

Following a holiday period packed with rich foods and relaxation, many people head into the new year aiming to get their fitness back on track.

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

Personalized Plans and Adaptable Timelines

One fitness enthusiast used an AI tool for last-minute preparation for the a major running event.

The 21-year-old from a town in Wales said she appreciated the liberty to pose queries at all hours – a feature she believed was unavailable with a personal trainer.

She relied on an AI-powered fitness application that provided her customized schedules with audio coaching and speed targets for her inaugural half marathon in recent years.

She explained she asked it to design a plan merging running and the weight training, and it produced an multi-week programme customized to her event day and objectives.

Leah then adjusted the plan to suit her daily routine, which she described was convenient.

The following year, she chose a different tool because it was cheaper and she could consult it at any time. She finished a full minute quicker than her target finish.

She said she wanted to avoid the pressure from a live instructor.

"With AI you have to find your own drive, which I quite like," she remarked.

A weightlifter

Significant Fitness Gains

Meanwhile, Another individual, in his twenties, based in a Welsh city, has been employing artificial intelligence for his exercise and nutrition programs, and reported he has never felt stronger, boosting his bench press from a lower weight to 110kg.

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

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

This no-cost application built a fitness and meal program personalized 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 Cost Comparison: Technology vs. Traditional Training

One recent survey in the previous year compared costs for 17 of the biggest fitness chains and found the average membership cost was approximately forty pounds a month, for basic memberships.

Fees started at £23 at the most affordable provider to £132 at the highest-priced.

Based on further data, personal trainers determine their own fees, usually £30-£65 per hour-long session in most areas and about £45-£65 in the capital.

Clients will often use a coach one or two times a week and collaborate for a short period, however these agreements are completely flexible.

Dafydd Judd

The Essential Personal Touch

Personal trainer Dafydd Judd, based in Cardiff, said artificial intelligence can be useful to accelerate results, but is convinced it will not supplant the human connection and responsibility that in-person coaching provides.

This expert, who has 12 years experience as a trainer, specialises in older adults and injury rehabilitation. He mentioned some of his clients also use AI.

"I think it's very valuable, additional information is positive," he said.

"I think the more that people are connected digitally the more they'll want human connection because they want the empathy from the comprehension that is missing from a machine," he continued.

The trainer said AI can educate clients and make coaching more effective.

However, he argued real commitment comes when people appear in person for their sessions.

"No matter how helpful as it is at 2am, a computer cannot ensure you show up at 7am before work," Dafydd concluded.

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