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Leah Walsh

After a holiday period packed with indulgent treats and downtime, many people head into January aiming to get their fitness back on track.

But, is it possible that AI be transforming the world of exercise by offering an alternative to personal trainers?

Tailored Plans and Flexible Timelines

Leah Walsh used an artificial intelligence application for impromptu training 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 – something she believed was not possible with a traditional coach.

Leah used an AI-powered fitness application that gave her personalised plans with audio coaching and pace setting for her first long-distance race in recent years.

She said she requested it to design a regimen merging cardio and the gym, and it produced an multi-week plan customized to her event day and goals.

Leah then tweaked the schedule to fit her lifestyle, which she described was convenient.

The following year, she chose a alternative application because it was cheaper 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 live instructor.

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

Richard Gallimore

Significant Strength Gains

In a similar case, Another individual, in his twenties, from Swansea, has been using artificial intelligence for his fitness and diet plans, and said he has achieved peak strength, increasing his chest press from 70kg to a much heavier load.

Richard turned to a AI assistant for help after being unable to run a race.

"I realized I had to sort myself out," he commented.

The free tool constructed a workout and diet plan personalized to his aims, and created structured routines.

"I work out for about two hours a day and I've seen a real difference," he said.

The Cost Comparison: AI vs. Conventional Training

A recent study in the previous year analyzed prices for 17 of the biggest gym brands and found the typical monthly fee was around £38 per month, for basic memberships.

Prices started at a lower price at the cheapest chain to £132 at the most expensive.

According to further data, fitness coaches set their own rates, usually £30-£65 per hour-long session outside London and about a similar range in the capital.

Clients will often hire a coach one or two times a week and collaborate for a short period, but these arrangements are often adaptable.

A personal trainer

The Essential Human Element

Fitness coach Dafydd Judd, based in Cardiff, said artificial intelligence can be beneficial to accelerate results, but is convinced it will never replace the personal interaction and accountability that live training provides.

The 37-year-old, who has 12 years experience as a coach, focuses on older adults and injury rehabilitation. He mentioned some of his trainees also employ technology.

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

"I believe the more people are online the more they'll desire personal contact because they crave the empathy from the understanding that is absent from a machine," he continued.

The trainer said Artificial intelligence can educate clients and make guidance more effective.

However, he argued true dedication comes when people appear in person for their sessions.

"No matter how helpful as it is at the middle of the night, a computer won't keep you accountable at 7am before work," Dafydd concluded.

In the view of many, he suggested, the fitness center is a space to leave phones behind and take a break from technology.