🔗 Share this article

Leah Walsh

Following a festive period packed with indulgent treats and relaxation, many people enter January looking to get their fitness back on track.

But, is it possible that Artificial Intelligence be transforming the world of exercise by offering an alternative to human coaches?

Personalized Plans and Flexible Timelines

Leah Walsh employed an artificial intelligence application for impromptu preparation for the Cardiff Half Marathon.

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

Leah used an AI-driven fitness application that gave her customized schedules with audio coaching and speed targets for her inaugural long-distance race in 2024.

She explained she asked it to design a plan merging cardio and the weight training, and it produced an multi-week plan customized 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 alternative application because it was cheaper and she could ask it questions whenever she wanted. Her result was a minute faster than her goal time.

She said she wanted to avoid feeling pressure from a human personal trainer.

"Using artificial intelligence you have to motivate yourself, which I quite like," she added.

Richard Gallimore

Remarkable Strength Gains

Meanwhile, 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 never felt stronger, increasing his chest press from a lower weight to a much heavier load.

He resorted to a bot for help after being unable to run a race.

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

The free tool constructed a fitness and meal program tailored to his goals, and created organized workouts.

"I train for about two hours a day and I've seen a real difference," he said.

The Expense Comparison: Technology vs. Conventional Coaching

A recent survey in the previous year analyzed prices for numerous of the biggest fitness chains and found the typical monthly fee was approximately forty pounds per month, for basic memberships.

Prices started at a lower price at the most affordable chain to £132 at the most expensive.

Based on industry research, personal trainers determine their own fees, usually £30-£65 per hour-long session outside London and about a similar range in the capital.

Clients typically use a coach once or twice a week and collaborate for a short period, however these arrangements are completely flexible.

A personal trainer

The Essential Personal Element

Personal trainer Dafydd Judd, based in the Welsh capital, acknowledged AI can be useful to speed up progress, but believes it will not supplant the personal interaction and responsibility that live training provides.

This expert, who has 12 years experience as a coach, focuses on older adults and injury rehabilitation. He said a number of his trainees also employ AI.

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

"I believe the more people are online the more they'll desire personal contact because they want the warmth from the comprehension that is absent from a computer," he continued.

Dafydd explained Artificial intelligence can inform clients and make guidance more effective.

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

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

In the view of many, he suggested, the fitness center is a place to disconnect from devices and stop being glued to screens.