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A runner

After a holiday period packed with rich foods and relaxation, numerous individuals enter the new year aiming to regain their fitness momentum.

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

Personalized Plans and Adaptable Schedules

Leah Walsh used an AI tool for last-minute training for the Cardiff Half Marathon.

This young woman hailing from a town in Wales explained she appreciated the liberty to ask it questions at all hours – a feature she believed was not possible with a traditional coach.

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

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

The user then tweaked the plan to suit her lifestyle, which she described was convenient.

The following year, she opted for a alternative application because it was more affordable and she could consult it at any time. She finished a full minute quicker than her goal time.

She noted she did not want the pressure from a human personal trainer.

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

Richard Gallimore

Remarkable Fitness Gains

Meanwhile, Richard Gallimore, in his twenties, based in a Welsh city, has been employing AI for his exercise and nutrition programs, and reported he has achieved peak strength, increasing his bench press from a lower weight to 110kg.

He resorted to a bot for help after being forced to walk a running event.

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

This no-cost application built a fitness and meal program personalized to his aims, and established organized workouts.

"I train for about 120 minutes a day and I've seen a noticeable change," he said.

The Cost Contrast: AI vs. Traditional Training

One recent survey in the previous year compared costs for 17 of the largest fitness chains and found the average membership cost was approximately forty pounds per month, based on standard memberships.

Fees ranged from a lower price at the most affordable provider to £132 at the most expensive.

According to industry research, fitness coaches set their own rates, typically a range of thirty to sixty-five pounds per 45-60 minute session outside London and about £45-£65 in the capital.

Clients typically use a coach once or twice a week and collaborate for a few months, but these arrangements are often adaptable.

Dafydd Judd

The Irreplaceable Human Element

Personal trainer Dafydd Judd, from the Welsh capital, acknowledged artificial intelligence can be beneficial to accelerate results, but believes it will never replace the personal interaction and responsibility that in-person coaching provides.

This expert, who has over a decade of experience as a trainer, specialises in older adults and recovery from injuries. He mentioned some of his trainees also employ technology.

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

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

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

However, he said real commitment comes when people appear physically for their sessions.

"No matter how helpful as it is at 2am, a computer won't keep you accountable at 7am before work," he concluded.

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