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Leah Walsh

Following a festive period packed with rich foods and relaxation, numerous individuals enter the new year aiming to get their fitness back on track.

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

Tailored Programs and Adaptable Schedules

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

This young woman from Aberdare said she liked the liberty to ask it questions any time of day – something she felt was not possible with a personal trainer.

She used an AI-driven running app that provided her personalised plans with voice guidance and pace setting for her inaugural half marathon in recent years.

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

The user then tweaked the plan to suit her daily routine, which she said was convenient.

Subsequently, she chose a different tool because it was cheaper and she could ask it questions at any time. Her result was a full minute quicker than her target finish.

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

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

A weightlifter

Remarkable Fitness Improvements

In a similar case, Richard Gallimore, in his twenties, from Swansea, 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 a much heavier load.

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

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

The free tool built a fitness and meal program tailored 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

One recent study in the previous year analyzed prices for 17 of the biggest fitness chains and found the average membership cost was around £38 a month, for basic full-access plans.

Prices ranged from a lower price at the most affordable chain to a premium rate at the most expensive.

According to industry research, fitness coaches set their own rates, usually a range of thirty to sixty-five pounds per hour-long appointment in most areas and about a similar range in London.

Clients typically use a trainer one or two times a week and collaborate for a short period, but these arrangements are completely flexible.

Dafydd Judd

The Essential Personal Touch

Fitness coach Dafydd Judd, based in Cardiff, acknowledged AI can be beneficial to speed up progress, but believes it will never replace the human connection and responsibility that in-person coaching offers.

The 37-year-old, who has 12 years experience as a trainer, specialises in older adults and injury rehabilitation. He said a number of his clients also use AI.

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

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

Dafydd said Artificial intelligence can educate users and make guidance more efficient.

But, he said real commitment comes when people appear physically for training.

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

In the view of many, he suggested, the fitness center is a place to disconnect from devices and take a break from technology.