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Leah Walsh

After a festive period packed with rich foods and downtime, numerous individuals enter the new year looking to get their fitness back on track.

But, is it possible that AI be changing the world of exercise by offering an option to human coaches?

Personalized Plans and Adaptable Schedules

Leah Walsh used an AI tool for impromptu preparation for the a major running event.

This young woman hailing from a town in Wales explained she appreciated the freedom to pose queries any time of day – a feature she felt was not possible with a personal trainer.

She relied on an AI-driven running app that gave her customized schedules with audio coaching and pace setting for her inaugural half marathon in recent years.

She said she asked it to create a regimen merging cardio and the weight training, and it produced an multi-week plan customized to her event day and goals.

The user 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 ask it questions whenever she wanted. She finished a full minute quicker than her target finish.

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

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

Richard Gallimore

Remarkable Fitness Improvements

Meanwhile, Richard Gallimore, 23, from Swansea, has been using AI 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 AI assistant for help after being forced to walk a running event.

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

The free tool constructed a fitness and meal program tailored to his aims, and created organized workouts.

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

The Expense Comparison: Technology vs. Traditional Coaching

One recent study in the previous year analyzed costs for numerous of the biggest gym brands and found the average membership cost was around £38 a month, based on basic memberships.

Fees started at a lower price at the cheapest chain to £132 at the highest-priced.

According to industry research, personal trainers set their own rates, usually £30-£65 per 45-60 minute appointment outside London and about a similar range in London.

Clients typically use a coach one or two times a week and work with them for a short period, but these agreements are completely flexible.

A personal trainer

The Essential Human Element

Personal trainer Dafydd Judd, from Cardiff, said AI can be useful to accelerate results, but is convinced it will not supplant the human connection and accountability that in-person coaching offers.

This expert, who has over a decade of experience as a trainer, specialises in senior clients and injury rehabilitation. He said a number of his trainees also employ AI.

"In my opinion it's extremely useful, more knowledge is good," he said.

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

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

However, he said real commitment comes when people show up in person for their sessions.

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

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