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A runner

After a festive period packed with indulgent treats and downtime, numerous individuals head into the new year looking to get their fitness back on track.

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

Tailored Programs and Adaptable Schedules

Leah Walsh employed an AI tool for impromptu training for the Cardiff Half Marathon.

This young woman hailing from a town in Wales said she appreciated the freedom to pose queries any time of day – a feature she believed was not possible with a traditional coach.

She relied on an AI-driven fitness application that gave her customized schedules with audio coaching and speed targets for her first long-distance race in 2024.

She said she requested it to create a plan combining running and the weight training, and it generated an 11-week plan tailored to her race date and objectives.

The user then adjusted the schedule to suit her lifestyle, which she said was convenient.

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

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

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

Richard Gallimore

Remarkable Strength Gains

In a similar case, Another individual, in his twenties, based in a Welsh city, has been employing AI for his fitness and diet plans, and said he has achieved peak strength, increasing his chest press from 70kg to 110kg.

Richard turned to a bot for assistance after being forced to walk a running event.

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

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

"I work out for about 120 minutes a day and I've seen a noticeable change," he added.

The Expense Comparison: AI vs. Traditional Coaching

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

Fees ranged from £23 at the most affordable provider to £132 at the highest-priced.

Based on further data, personal trainers determine their own fees, usually £30-£65 per hour-long appointment in most areas and about £45-£65 in London.

Clients typically hire a coach once or twice a week and work with them for a short period, however these agreements are completely flexible.

Dafydd Judd

The Irreplaceable Human Element

Personal trainer one experienced professional, from Cardiff, acknowledged AI can be beneficial to accelerate results, but believes it will not supplant the human connection and responsibility that live training provides.

This expert, who has 12 years experience as a trainer, specialises in older adults and recovery from injuries. He said some of his clients also employ technology.

"In my opinion it's extremely useful, more knowledge is good," he stated.

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

Dafydd said Artificial intelligence can educate users and make guidance more efficient.

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

"As useful as it is at 2am, a digital tool cannot ensure you show up at 7am before work," Dafydd added.

For many, he said, the fitness center is a place to disconnect from devices and take a break from technology.