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Leah Walsh

After a holiday period packed with indulgent treats and relaxation, numerous individuals head into January looking to get their fitness back on track.

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

Tailored Programs and Adaptable Timelines

Leah Walsh employed an AI tool for last-minute preparation for the Cardiff Half Marathon.

This young woman hailing from a town in Wales said she liked the liberty to ask it questions any time of day – something she believed was not possible with a traditional coach.

She relied on an AI-powered fitness application that provided her personalised plans with audio coaching and pace setting for her first half marathon in 2024.

She explained she requested it to design a regimen combining cardio and the gym, and it produced an 11-week programme tailored to her event day and goals.

Leah then tweaked the plan to fit her daily routine, which she described was convenient.

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

She said she did not want the pressure from a live instructor.

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

A weightlifter

Remarkable Strength Improvements

In a similar case, Richard Gallimore, 23, based in a Welsh city, has been employing artificial intelligence for his exercise and nutrition programs, and reported he has achieved peak strength, boosting his bench press from a lower weight to 110kg.

Richard resorted to a AI assistant for help after being unable to run a race.

"I realized I need to sort myself out," he commented.

This no-cost application constructed a fitness and meal program tailored to his goals, and established organized workouts.

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

The Cost Contrast: AI vs. Conventional Coaching

One recent survey in the previous year compared costs for numerous of the biggest gym brands and found the average membership cost was around £38 per month, based on basic full-access plans.

Fees started at £23 at the cheapest chain to £132 at the highest-priced.

Based on further data, personal trainers set their own rates, typically a range of thirty to sixty-five pounds per hour-long session outside London and about £45-£65 in London.

Clients will often use a coach once or twice a week and collaborate for a few months, but these arrangements are often adaptable.

Dafydd Judd

The Essential Personal Touch

Personal trainer Dafydd Judd, based in the Welsh capital, acknowledged AI can be beneficial to speed up progress, but believes it will never replace the personal interaction and accountability that in-person coaching offers.

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

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

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

The trainer said AI can inform clients and make coaching more efficient.

However, he said real commitment comes when people show up physically for training.

"As useful as it is at the middle of the night, a digital tool cannot ensure you show up at early morning before work," Dafydd concluded.

In the view of many, he said, the fitness center is a space to disconnect from devices and take a break from technology.