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Leah Walsh

After a festive period filled with rich foods and relaxation, numerous individuals head into the new year looking to regain their fitness momentum.

However, is it possible that Artificial Intelligence be changing the world of exercise by offering an option to human coaches?

Personalized Programs and Adaptable Timelines

Leah Walsh employed an artificial intelligence application for last-minute training for the a major running event.

This young woman hailing from a town in Wales said she liked the freedom to ask it questions at all hours – something she felt was not possible with a personal trainer.

She used an AI-powered running app that gave her personalised plans with audio coaching and speed targets for her first long-distance race in 2024.

She explained she asked it to create a plan merging running and the gym, and it produced an multi-week programme tailored to her race date and goals.

The user then tweaked the schedule to suit her daily routine, which she said was highly practical.

Subsequently, she opted for a different tool because it was more affordable and she could consult it at any time. Her result was a full minute quicker than her target finish.

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

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

A weightlifter

Significant Strength Gains

Meanwhile, Another individual, 23, from Swansea, has been using AI for his exercise and nutrition programs, and said he has never felt stronger, boosting his bench press from a lower weight to a much heavier load.

He turned to a AI assistant for help after being forced to walk a running event.

"I just knew I had to sort myself out," he said.

This no-cost application built a fitness and meal program personalized to his goals, and established structured routines.

"I train for about 120 minutes a day and I've seen a noticeable change," he said.

The Cost Comparison: Technology vs. Traditional Coaching

One recent study in the previous year compared prices for numerous of the biggest gym brands and found the average membership cost was around £38 a month, based on standard memberships.

Prices started at £23 at the most affordable provider to a premium rate at the most expensive.

Based on industry research, personal trainers set their own rates, usually a range of thirty to sixty-five pounds per 45-60 minute session outside London and about £45-£65 in the capital.

Customers typically use a coach one or two times a week and work with them for a few months, however these arrangements are completely flexible.

Dafydd Judd

The Irreplaceable Human Touch

Fitness coach Dafydd Judd, from the Welsh capital, said artificial intelligence can be beneficial to accelerate results, but is convinced it will never replace the personal interaction and responsibility that live training provides.

This expert, who has over a decade of experience as a coach, specialises in older adults and recovery from injuries. He mentioned a number of his clients also use AI.

"I think it's very valuable, more knowledge is positive," he said.

"I believe the more people are connected digitally the more they'll desire human connection because they crave the warmth from the comprehension that is absent from a machine," he added.

The trainer said Artificial intelligence can inform users and make coaching more effective.

However, he said real commitment comes when people show up in person for their sessions.

"No matter how helpful as it is at the middle of the night, a digital tool won't keep you accountable at 7am before work," he added.

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