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Leah Walsh

After a festive period packed with rich foods and relaxation, many people head into the new year looking to regain their fitness momentum.

However, is it possible that AI be changing the world of exercise by providing an alternative to human coaches?

Tailored Programs and Flexible Timelines

One fitness enthusiast employed an artificial intelligence application for last-minute preparation for the a major running event.

The 21-year-old hailing from a town in Wales explained she liked the freedom to pose queries any time of day – a feature she felt was unavailable with a personal trainer.

She used an AI-powered running app that gave her personalised plans with audio coaching and pace setting for her first half marathon in 2024.

She explained she requested it to create a regimen merging cardio and the weight training, and it produced an 11-week plan tailored to her event day and objectives.

Leah then tweaked the schedule to fit her lifestyle, which she said was convenient.

Subsequently, she chose a different tool because it was cheaper and she could consult it whenever she wanted. She finished a full minute quicker than her target finish.

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

"Using AI you have to motivate yourself, which I quite like," she added.

A weightlifter

Remarkable Fitness Improvements

In a similar case, Richard Gallimore, in his twenties, based in Swansea, has been using AI for his exercise and nutrition programs, and said he has achieved peak strength, boosting his chest press from a lower weight to a much heavier load.

Richard resorted to a AI assistant for help after being forced to walk a race.

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

This no-cost application built a workout and diet plan tailored to his goals, and created structured routines.

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

The Cost Contrast: AI vs. Traditional Coaching

One recent survey in the previous year analyzed costs for 17 of the largest gym brands and found the typical monthly fee was around £38 a month, based on standard full-access plans.

Fees started at a lower price at the most affordable provider to a premium rate at the most expensive.

Based on industry research, fitness coaches determine their own fees, usually a range of thirty to sixty-five pounds per 45-60 minute appointment in most areas and about £45-£65 in London.

Customers typically hire a coach one or two times a week and collaborate for a few months, however these arrangements are completely flexible.

A personal trainer

The Essential Personal Touch

Personal trainer one experienced professional, based in Cardiff, said AI can be useful to speed up progress, but believes it will not supplant the personal interaction and accountability that live training offers.

This expert, who has over a decade of experience as a coach, focuses on older adults and injury rehabilitation. He said some of his clients also use AI.

"In my opinion it's very valuable, more knowledge is good," he said.

"I think the more people are connected digitally the more they'll want human connection because they want the warmth from the comprehension that is absent from a machine," he added.

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

But, he argued true dedication comes when people show up in person for training.

"As useful as it is at 2am, a computer won't keep you accountable at 7am before work," Dafydd added.

For many, he suggested, the gym is a place to disconnect from devices and take a break from technology.