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Leah Walsh

Following a holiday period filled with rich foods and relaxation, numerous individuals enter January looking to regain their fitness momentum.

However, is it possible that Artificial Intelligence be transforming the world of exercise by providing an alternative to human coaches?

Tailored Plans and Adaptable Schedules

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

The 21-year-old hailing from a town in Wales said she appreciated the freedom to pose queries at all hours – a feature she felt was unavailable with a personal trainer.

Leah relied on an AI-powered running app that gave her personalised plans with voice guidance and speed targets for her inaugural half marathon in recent years.

She explained she asked it to design a plan merging cardio and the gym, and it generated an 11-week plan customized to her race date and objectives.

Leah then adjusted the plan to suit her daily routine, which she described was highly practical.

The following year, she opted for a alternative application because it was cheaper and she could consult it whenever she wanted. Her result was a minute faster than her target finish.

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

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

Richard Gallimore

Significant Fitness Gains

Meanwhile, Richard Gallimore, in his twenties, from Swansea, has been using artificial intelligence for his fitness and diet plans, and reported he has achieved peak strength, increasing his bench press from a lower weight to a much heavier load.

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

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

This no-cost application built a workout and diet plan personalized to his goals, and established organized workouts.

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

The Expense Contrast: Technology vs. Conventional Training

One recent survey in the previous year compared costs for 17 of the biggest gym brands and found the average membership cost was around £38 a month, for basic full-access plans.

Prices started at £23 at the most affordable chain to £132 at the highest-priced.

According to further data, fitness coaches set their own rates, typically £30-£65 per hour-long appointment in most areas and about £45-£65 in London.

Customers typically use a coach one or two times a week and collaborate for a short period, but these arrangements are often adaptable.

Dafydd Judd

The Irreplaceable Human Touch

Personal trainer Dafydd Judd, from Cardiff, said AI can be useful to accelerate results, but believes it will not supplant the personal interaction and responsibility that live training offers.

The 37-year-old, who has 12 years experience as a trainer, focuses on senior clients and recovery from injuries. He mentioned a number of his clients also employ technology.

"I think it's extremely useful, more knowledge is positive," he said.

"I think the more that people are connected digitally the more they'll desire personal contact because they want the empathy from the comprehension that is missing from a computer," he continued.

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

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

"No matter how helpful as it is at 2am, a computer won't keep you accountable at early morning before work," Dafydd added.

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