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Leah Walsh

After a holiday period packed with indulgent treats and downtime, numerous individuals enter January looking to get their fitness back on track.

But, could Artificial Intelligence be transforming the world of exercise by offering an alternative to personal trainers?

Tailored Plans and Flexible Schedules

Leah Walsh employed an AI tool for last-minute preparation for the a major running event.

The 21-year-old hailing from a town in Wales said she liked the liberty to ask it questions at all hours – something she felt was unavailable with a traditional coach.

Leah relied on an AI-powered fitness application that provided her personalised plans with audio coaching and speed targets for her inaugural half marathon in 2024.

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

Leah then adjusted the schedule to suit her lifestyle, which she said was highly practical.

Subsequently, she chose a alternative application because it was cheaper and she could ask it questions whenever she wanted. Her result was a full minute quicker than her target finish.

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

"Using artificial intelligence you have to motivate yourself, which I actually prefer," she remarked.

A weightlifter

Remarkable Strength Gains

In a similar case, Another individual, 23, based in a Welsh city, has been employing AI for his fitness and diet plans, and said he has never felt stronger, boosting his bench press from a lower weight to 110kg.

He turned to a AI assistant for assistance after being unable to run a race.

"I just knew I need to get myself in shape," he commented.

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

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

The Cost Contrast: AI vs. Conventional Coaching

A recent survey in the previous year compared prices for 17 of the largest gym brands and found the average membership cost was around £38 a month, based on basic memberships.

Prices ranged from £23 at the cheapest chain to a premium rate at the most expensive.

According to industry research, personal trainers determine their own fees, typically a range of thirty to sixty-five pounds per 45-60 minute session outside London and about a similar range in the capital.

Clients typically hire a trainer once or twice a week and work with them for a few months, but these arrangements are often adaptable.

Dafydd Judd

The Irreplaceable Personal Touch

Fitness coach one experienced professional, from the Welsh capital, acknowledged artificial intelligence can be useful to speed up progress, but believes it will not supplant the human connection 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 mentioned some of his trainees also employ technology.

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

"I believe the more people are online the more they'll want human connection because they crave the empathy from the comprehension that is absent from a computer," he added.

The trainer explained AI can educate clients and make guidance more efficient.

However, he said true dedication comes when people show up physically for training.

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

For many, he said, the fitness center is a place to disconnect from devices and take a break from technology.