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A runner

Following a holiday period filled with rich foods and relaxation, many people head into January looking to regain their fitness momentum.

However, could AI be transforming the world of exercise by providing an option to human coaches?

Personalized Programs and Adaptable Timelines

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

The 21-year-old from Aberdare said she liked the freedom to ask it questions at all hours – something she believed was unavailable with a personal trainer.

She relied on an AI-driven fitness application that provided her customized schedules with audio coaching and pace setting for her first half marathon in 2024.

She explained she asked it to create a regimen combining cardio and the gym, and it produced an multi-week plan tailored to her event day and goals.

Leah then tweaked the plan to suit her daily routine, which she described was convenient.

Subsequently, she chose a alternative application because it was cheaper and she could consult it at any time. She finished a minute faster than her goal time.

She noted 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.

A weightlifter

Remarkable Fitness Improvements

In a similar case, Richard Gallimore, in his twenties, based in Swansea, has been using artificial intelligence for his exercise and nutrition programs, and said he has never felt stronger, increasing his bench press from 70kg to 110kg.

He turned to a bot for assistance after being unable to run a race.

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

The free tool constructed a workout and diet plan tailored 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. Traditional Coaching

A recent survey in the previous year analyzed costs for 17 of the largest gym brands and found the average membership cost was approximately forty pounds a month, based on basic memberships.

Prices started at £23 at the cheapest provider to £132 at the most expensive.

According to industry research, personal trainers determine their own fees, typically £30-£65 per 45-60 minute session in most areas and about a similar range in London.

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

Dafydd Judd

The Essential Personal Touch

Personal trainer Dafydd Judd, from Cardiff, said artificial intelligence can be useful to accelerate results, but is convinced it will not supplant the human connection and accountability that live training offers.

This expert, who has over a decade of experience as a coach, focuses on senior clients and recovery from injuries. He mentioned some of his clients also employ AI.

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

"I think the more people are connected digitally the more they'll want personal contact because they crave the empathy from the comprehension that is absent from a machine," he added.

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

But, he said true dedication comes when people show up physically for training.

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

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