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A runner

After a festive period filled with rich foods and downtime, numerous individuals enter January looking to get their fitness back on track.

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

Tailored Programs and Adaptable Schedules

Leah Walsh used an artificial intelligence application for impromptu training for the Cardiff Half Marathon.

The 21-year-old hailing from a town in Wales explained she liked the liberty to pose queries at all hours – a feature she felt was not possible with a traditional coach.

Leah used an AI-powered fitness application that gave her personalised plans with audio coaching and pace setting for her first long-distance race in 2024.

She explained she asked it to create a regimen combining cardio and the weight training, and it produced an multi-week plan tailored to her race date and objectives.

Leah then tweaked the plan to fit her lifestyle, which she described was highly practical.

Subsequently, she chose a different tool because it was cheaper and she could consult it at any time. She finished a minute faster than her target finish.

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

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

A weightlifter

Significant Strength Gains

In a similar case, Richard Gallimore, 23, from a Welsh city, has been using AI for his fitness and diet plans, and said he has never felt stronger, increasing his bench press from a lower weight to 110kg.

He turned to a bot for assistance after being forced to walk a race.

"I realized I had to get myself in shape," he said.

This no-cost application constructed a workout and diet plan tailored to his aims, and established organized workouts.

"I work out for about two hours a day and I've seen a noticeable change," he said.

The Cost Contrast: Technology vs. Traditional Training

One recent study in the previous year compared prices for 17 of the biggest gym brands and found the typical monthly fee was around £38 per month, for standard memberships.

Prices started at a lower price at the most affordable provider to £132 at the highest-priced.

According to industry research, fitness coaches determine their own fees, usually a range of thirty to sixty-five pounds per hour-long appointment in most areas and about a similar range in London.

Clients typically use a trainer one or two times a week and collaborate for a short period, but these arrangements are completely flexible.

A personal trainer

The Essential Human Element

Fitness coach one experienced professional, based in Cardiff, said artificial intelligence can be beneficial to accelerate results, but is convinced it will not supplant the human connection and responsibility that live training provides.

The 37-year-old, who has over a decade of experience as a trainer, specialises in senior clients and recovery from injuries. He said a number of his clients also use technology.

"I think it's very valuable, more knowledge is good," he stated.

"I think the more people are online the more they'll want personal contact because they want the empathy from the comprehension that is missing from a computer," he added.

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

But, he argued true dedication comes when people show up physically for their sessions.

"No matter how helpful as it is at the middle of the night, a computer cannot ensure you show up at 7am before work," Dafydd added.

For many, he suggested, the fitness center is a space to leave phones behind and take a break from technology.