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Leah Walsh

After a festive period filled with indulgent treats and relaxation, numerous individuals head into January looking to get their fitness back on track.

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

Tailored Plans and Adaptable Timelines

One fitness enthusiast employed an AI tool for impromptu preparation for the a major running event.

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

Leah relied on an AI-driven fitness application that gave her personalised plans with voice guidance and pace setting for her inaugural long-distance race in 2024.

She explained she requested it to create a regimen merging cardio and the weight training, and it generated an 11-week programme tailored to her race date and goals.

Leah then tweaked the schedule to suit her daily routine, which she said was highly practical.

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

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

"With AI you have to motivate yourself, which I actually prefer," she remarked.

Richard Gallimore

Remarkable Strength Gains

In a similar case, Richard Gallimore, 23, based in a Welsh city, has been employing artificial intelligence for his exercise and nutrition programs, and reported he has achieved peak strength, boosting his chest press from a lower weight to 110kg.

Richard resorted to a bot for assistance after being unable to run a running event.

"I just knew I had to sort myself out," he said.

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

"I work out for about 120 minutes a day and I've seen a real difference," he added.

The Expense Contrast: Technology vs. Traditional Coaching

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

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

Based on industry research, fitness coaches set their own rates, typically a range of thirty to sixty-five pounds per 45-60 minute session in most areas and about £45-£65 in London.

Clients will often use a trainer one or two times a week and collaborate for a few months, but these agreements are often adaptable.

A personal trainer

The Essential Personal Element

Fitness coach Dafydd Judd, based in the Welsh capital, said artificial intelligence can be useful to accelerate results, but is convinced it will never replace the personal interaction and responsibility that live training offers.

This expert, who has 12 years experience as a trainer, focuses on older adults and recovery from injuries. He said some of his clients also employ AI.

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

"I think the more people are online the more they'll desire human connection because they want the empathy from the comprehension that is missing from a machine," he added.

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

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

"No matter how helpful as it is at 2am, a digital tool cannot ensure you show up at early morning before work," Dafydd added.

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