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Leah Walsh

After a festive period packed with rich foods and downtime, many people head into January aiming to get their fitness back on track.

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

Personalized Programs and Flexible Timelines

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

The 21-year-old hailing from Aberdare explained she liked the freedom to pose queries at all hours – a feature she felt was unavailable with a personal trainer.

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

She explained she requested it to create a plan merging cardio and the weight training, and it generated an 11-week plan customized to her race date and objectives.

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

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

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

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

Richard Gallimore

Significant Strength Gains

Meanwhile, Richard Gallimore, in his twenties, from Swansea, has been using artificial intelligence for his exercise and nutrition programs, and said he has never felt stronger, boosting his bench press from 70kg to a much heavier load.

Richard resorted to a AI assistant for assistance after being unable to run a running event.

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

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

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

The Expense Contrast: Technology vs. Traditional Coaching

One recent survey in the previous year analyzed costs for numerous of the largest gym brands and found the typical monthly fee was approximately forty pounds a month, for standard memberships.

Prices ranged from a lower price at the most affordable provider to a premium rate at the most expensive.

Based on industry research, personal trainers determine their own fees, usually a range of thirty to sixty-five pounds per hour-long session outside London and about £45-£65 in London.

Clients typically hire a trainer once or twice a week and work with them for a few months, however these agreements are often adaptable.

Dafydd Judd

The Irreplaceable Human Touch

Fitness coach one experienced professional, from the Welsh capital, said AI can be useful to speed up progress, but is convinced it will never replace the personal interaction and accountability that live training offers.

The 37-year-old, who has over a decade of experience as a coach, focuses on older adults and recovery from injuries. He said some of his trainees also use technology.

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

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

Dafydd explained AI can inform clients and make guidance more efficient.

However, he argued real commitment comes when people appear physically for training.

"No matter how helpful as it is at 2am, a digital tool cannot ensure you show up at early morning before work," Dafydd added.

For many, he suggested, the gym is a place to leave phones behind and take a break from technology.