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Leah Walsh

Following a festive period packed with rich foods and relaxation, many people enter January looking to regain their fitness momentum.

But, could Artificial Intelligence be changing the world of exercise by offering an option to human coaches?

Tailored Plans and Adaptable Schedules

Leah Walsh used an artificial intelligence application for last-minute training for the a major running event.

The 21-year-old hailing from a town in Wales explained she liked the liberty to ask it questions any time of day – something she felt was not possible with a traditional coach.

Leah used an AI-driven running app that provided her customized schedules with voice guidance and pace setting for her first long-distance race in 2024.

She said she asked it to create a regimen merging cardio and the gym, and it produced an 11-week programme tailored to her event day and objectives.

The user then tweaked the schedule to suit her daily routine, which she described was highly practical.

Subsequently, she opted for a different tool because it was more affordable and she could ask it questions at any time. She finished a full minute quicker than her target finish.

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

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

Richard Gallimore

Significant Strength Gains

In a similar case, Another individual, 23, based in a Welsh city, has been employing AI for his exercise and nutrition programs, and reported he has achieved peak strength, boosting his bench press from 70kg to 110kg.

He resorted to a AI assistant for help after being unable to run a race.

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

The free tool constructed a fitness and meal program personalized to his aims, and established structured routines.

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

The Expense Comparison: Technology vs. Traditional Training

A recent study in the previous year compared costs for numerous of the biggest fitness chains and found the average membership cost was around £38 per month, for basic full-access plans.

Fees ranged from a lower price at the most affordable provider to £132 at the highest-priced.

Based on industry research, personal trainers set their own rates, typically £30-£65 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 short period, but these arrangements are completely flexible.

A personal trainer

The Essential Personal Touch

Fitness coach Dafydd Judd, from the Welsh capital, acknowledged artificial intelligence can be beneficial to speed up progress, but believes it will never replace the personal interaction and accountability that in-person coaching provides.

This expert, who has over a decade of experience as a coach, specialises in older adults and injury rehabilitation. He mentioned some of his trainees also use technology.

"I think it's very valuable, additional information is positive," he stated.

"I think the more that people are online the more they'll want human connection because they want the empathy from the understanding that is missing from a computer," he continued.

The trainer explained AI can educate users and make guidance more effective.

However, 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 early morning before work," he added.

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