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Leah Walsh

After a holiday period packed with rich foods and relaxation, many people head into the new year aiming to regain their fitness momentum.

However, is it possible that AI be transforming the world of exercise by providing an alternative to personal trainers?

Personalized Programs and Adaptable Timelines

One fitness enthusiast used an AI tool for impromptu preparation for the Cardiff Half Marathon.

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

Leah used an AI-driven running app that provided her personalised plans with voice guidance and speed targets for her first long-distance race in 2024.

She said she requested it to design a plan combining cardio and the gym, and it produced an multi-week plan customized to her event day and objectives.

The user then adjusted the plan to suit her lifestyle, which she described was convenient.

The following year, she opted for a alternative application because it was more affordable and she could ask it questions whenever she wanted. Her result was a minute faster than her target finish.

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

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

A weightlifter

Significant Fitness Improvements

Meanwhile, Another individual, in his twenties, from Swansea, has been employing AI for his exercise and nutrition programs, and reported he has achieved peak strength, increasing his chest press from 70kg to a much heavier load.

Richard turned to a bot for help after being unable to run a race.

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

This no-cost application built 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 noticeable change," he said.

The Expense Comparison: Technology vs. Conventional Training

One recent study in the previous year analyzed costs for numerous of the biggest fitness chains and found the typical monthly fee was approximately forty pounds a month, for basic full-access plans.

Fees started at a lower price at the most affordable provider to a premium rate at the highest-priced.

Based on industry research, personal trainers set their own rates, usually £30-£65 per hour-long session in most areas and about £45-£65 in the capital.

Customers will often use a coach once or twice a week and work with them for a short period, however these arrangements are often adaptable.

Dafydd Judd

The Essential Personal Element

Personal trainer one experienced professional, from the Welsh capital, said AI can be beneficial to speed up progress, but believes it will not supplant the human connection and responsibility that live training provides.

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

"In my opinion it's extremely useful, additional information is good," he stated.

"I think the more that people are online the more they'll want human connection because they crave the empathy from the understanding that is missing from a computer," he added.

Dafydd said Artificial intelligence can inform users and make coaching more efficient.

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

"No matter how helpful as it is at the middle of the night, a digital tool cannot ensure you show up at early morning before work," he added.

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