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Leah Walsh

Following a festive period filled with indulgent treats and downtime, many people head into the new year aiming to regain their fitness momentum.

However, could AI be transforming the world of exercise by providing an option to personal trainers?

Personalized Plans and Adaptable Schedules

One fitness enthusiast used an AI tool for impromptu preparation for the a major running event.

The 21-year-old hailing from a town in Wales explained she appreciated the liberty to ask it questions any time of day – something she believed was unavailable with a personal trainer.

She relied on an AI-driven fitness application that gave her personalised plans with voice guidance and speed targets for her first half marathon in recent years.

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

Leah then adjusted the schedule to suit her daily routine, which she said was highly practical.

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

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

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

Richard Gallimore

Significant Strength Gains

Meanwhile, Richard Gallimore, 23, from a Welsh city, has been using artificial intelligence for his fitness and diet plans, and reported he has never felt stronger, increasing his bench press from a lower weight to 110kg.

Richard resorted to a AI assistant for assistance after being unable to run a running event.

"I realized I had to sort myself out," he said.

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

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

The Cost Contrast: Technology vs. Conventional Coaching

A recent survey in the previous year analyzed prices for 17 of the biggest gym brands and found the average membership cost was around £38 per month, for standard memberships.

Fees started at a lower price at the most affordable chain to a premium rate at the most expensive.

Based on industry research, fitness coaches set their own rates, usually a range of thirty to sixty-five pounds per hour-long appointment in most areas and about a similar range in London.

Clients will often use a trainer one or two times a week and collaborate for a short period, but these arrangements are often adaptable.

Dafydd Judd

The Essential Human Touch

Fitness coach one experienced professional, based in the Welsh capital, acknowledged artificial intelligence can be useful to accelerate results, but is convinced it will never replace the human connection and accountability 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 employ technology.

"In my opinion it's very valuable, more knowledge is positive," he said.

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

Dafydd explained Artificial intelligence can inform users and make coaching more effective.

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

"As useful as it is at the middle of the night, a computer won't keep you accountable at 7am before work," Dafydd added.

In the view of many, he suggested, the fitness center is a place to leave phones behind and stop being glued to screens.