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Leah Walsh

After a festive period filled with indulgent treats and relaxation, many people head into January aiming to regain their fitness momentum.

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

Personalized Plans and Flexible Timelines

One fitness enthusiast employed an artificial intelligence application for impromptu training for the Cardiff Half Marathon.

This young woman hailing from a town in Wales said she liked the freedom to pose queries any time of day – something she believed was unavailable with a traditional coach.

She used an AI-powered fitness application that gave her personalised plans with voice guidance and speed targets for her inaugural half marathon in 2024.

She explained she requested it to design a plan combining cardio and the weight training, and it generated an multi-week plan tailored to her race date and objectives.

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

Subsequently, she opted for a alternative application because it was cheaper and she could ask it questions at any time. She finished a minute faster than her goal time.

She noted she did not want the pressure from a live instructor.

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

Richard Gallimore

Significant Fitness Improvements

In a similar case, Another individual, in his twenties, based in Swansea, has been using artificial intelligence for his fitness and diet plans, and said he has achieved peak strength, increasing his chest press from 70kg to a much heavier load.

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

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

This no-cost application built a workout and diet plan personalized to his aims, and created organized workouts.

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

The Cost Comparison: Technology vs. Conventional Training

A recent survey in the previous year analyzed prices for 17 of the biggest gym brands and found the average membership cost was around £38 per month, based on standard memberships.

Fees ranged from £23 at the cheapest provider to a premium rate at the most expensive.

According to further data, fitness coaches determine their own fees, usually a range of thirty to sixty-five pounds per hour-long appointment outside London and about £45-£65 in London.

Customers will often use a trainer once or twice a week and work with them for a few months, however these agreements 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 is convinced it will not supplant the human connection and accountability that in-person coaching offers.

The 37-year-old, who has over a decade of experience as a trainer, specialises in senior clients and injury rehabilitation. He mentioned some of his clients also use technology.

"I think it's extremely useful, additional information is good," he stated.

"I think the more that people are online the more they'll desire human connection because they crave the empathy from the comprehension that is absent from a machine," he added.

The trainer said AI can educate users and make coaching more effective.

However, he argued real commitment comes when people appear in person for their sessions.

"As useful as it is at the middle of the night, a digital tool won't keep you accountable at early morning before work," Dafydd concluded.

In the view of many, he suggested, the fitness center is a place to leave phones behind and take a break from technology.