🔗 Share this article

Leah Walsh

After a holiday period packed with rich foods and downtime, numerous individuals head into January looking to get their fitness back on track.

However, could Artificial Intelligence be transforming the world of exercise by providing an option to human coaches?

Tailored Programs and Flexible Timelines

Leah Walsh used an artificial intelligence application for impromptu preparation for the Cardiff Half Marathon.

The 21-year-old hailing from Aberdare said she appreciated the freedom to ask it questions any time of day – a feature she believed was unavailable with a personal trainer.

She used an AI-driven fitness application that gave her customized schedules with audio coaching and speed targets for her first half marathon in recent years.

She explained she asked it to create a regimen merging running and the gym, and it produced an multi-week plan customized to her event day and goals.

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

The following year, she chose a different tool because it was more affordable and she could ask it questions whenever she wanted. She finished a minute faster than her target finish.

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

"With artificial intelligence you have to motivate yourself, which I quite like," she remarked.

Richard Gallimore

Remarkable Strength Gains

In a similar case, Another individual, in his twenties, based in Swansea, has been employing artificial intelligence for his fitness and diet plans, and said he has never felt stronger, increasing his bench press from a lower weight to 110kg.

He resorted to a AI assistant for help after being forced to walk a running event.

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

The free tool built a fitness and meal program tailored 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 Expense Contrast: Technology vs. Conventional Training

A recent study in the previous year analyzed costs for numerous of the biggest fitness chains and found the typical monthly fee was around £38 per month, for basic full-access plans.

Fees ranged from a lower price at the cheapest provider to £132 at the most expensive.

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

Clients will often use a coach once or twice a week and work with them for a short period, but these agreements are completely flexible.

Dafydd Judd

The Irreplaceable Human Touch

Fitness coach Dafydd Judd, from the Welsh capital, said AI can be useful to speed up progress, but believes it will never replace the personal interaction and accountability that in-person coaching offers.

This expert, who has 12 years experience as a coach, focuses on senior clients and injury rehabilitation. He mentioned a number of his clients also employ AI.

"I think it's very valuable, more knowledge is positive," he stated.

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

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

However, he said real commitment comes when people show up physically for their sessions.

"As useful 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 gym is a place to leave phones behind and stop being glued to screens.