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A runner

Following a holiday period filled with indulgent treats and downtime, numerous individuals head into the new year aiming to regain their fitness momentum.

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

Tailored Plans and Adaptable Schedules

Leah Walsh used an artificial intelligence application for last-minute training for the Cardiff Half Marathon.

This young woman from Aberdare explained she appreciated the freedom to pose queries at all hours – something she felt was not possible with a personal trainer.

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

She explained she asked it to create a plan merging cardio and the gym, and it generated an 11-week programme customized to her event day and objectives.

Leah then tweaked the schedule to suit her lifestyle, which she described was highly practical.

The following year, she opted for a different tool 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 did not want the pressure from a human personal trainer.

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

Richard Gallimore

Significant Fitness Improvements

Meanwhile, Richard Gallimore, in his twenties, from a Welsh city, has been employing artificial intelligence for his exercise and nutrition programs, and said he has achieved peak strength, boosting his bench press from a lower weight to a much heavier load.

He resorted to a AI assistant for help after being unable to run a race.

"I just knew I need to sort myself out," he said.

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

"I work out for about 120 minutes a day and I've seen a real difference," he said.

The Cost Comparison: Technology vs. Conventional Coaching

One recent survey in the previous year analyzed prices for 17 of the biggest gym brands and found the typical monthly fee was approximately forty pounds a month, based on basic memberships.

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

Based on industry research, fitness coaches set their own rates, usually a range of thirty to sixty-five pounds per hour-long session outside London and about a similar range in London.

Customers will often hire a coach one or two times a week and work with them for a few months, however these agreements are often adaptable.

A personal trainer

The Irreplaceable Personal Touch

Fitness coach one experienced professional, based in the Welsh capital, said AI can be useful to accelerate results, but is convinced it will never replace the personal interaction and responsibility that live training provides.

The 37-year-old, who has over a decade of experience as a coach, focuses on older adults and recovery from injuries. He said some of his trainees also use technology.

"In my opinion it's extremely useful, additional information is positive," he said.

"I believe the more that people are online the more they'll desire human connection because they want the warmth from the understanding that is missing from a machine," he continued.

The trainer said AI can inform clients and make guidance more efficient.

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

"As useful as it is at the middle of the night, a digital tool won't keep you accountable at 7am before work," he concluded.

In the view of many, he suggested, the fitness center is a place to disconnect from devices and stop being glued to screens.