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Leah Walsh

After a holiday period packed with rich foods and downtime, numerous individuals enter January looking to regain their fitness momentum.

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

Tailored Plans and Adaptable Timelines

One fitness enthusiast employed an artificial intelligence application for last-minute training for the Cardiff Half Marathon.

The 21-year-old hailing from Aberdare said she liked the liberty to ask it questions at all hours – something she believed was not possible with a personal trainer.

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

She said she asked it to design a plan merging cardio and the gym, and it produced an 11-week plan tailored to her race date and goals.

Leah then tweaked the schedule to suit her daily routine, which she said was convenient.

The following year, she opted for a alternative application because it was cheaper and she could consult it whenever she wanted. She finished a minute faster than her goal time.

She said 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 remarked.

Richard Gallimore

Remarkable Strength Improvements

In a similar case, Another individual, in his twenties, from a Welsh city, has been using AI for his fitness and diet plans, and said he has never felt stronger, boosting his bench press from 70kg to 110kg.

He resorted to a bot for assistance after being unable to run a race.

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

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

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

The Cost Contrast: AI vs. Conventional Coaching

One recent survey in the previous year compared prices for numerous of the largest gym brands and found the typical monthly fee was approximately forty pounds a month, based on standard full-access plans.

Prices ranged from a lower price at the cheapest 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 45-60 minute session outside London and about £45-£65 in London.

Clients will often hire a trainer once or twice a week and collaborate for a short period, however these agreements are often adaptable.

Dafydd Judd

The Irreplaceable Personal Touch

Personal trainer Dafydd Judd, based in the Welsh capital, acknowledged artificial intelligence can be useful to speed up progress, but is convinced it will never replace the personal interaction and responsibility that in-person coaching offers.

The 37-year-old, who has over a decade of experience as a trainer, specialises in senior clients and injury rehabilitation. He said some of his clients also employ technology.

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

"I think the more people are connected digitally the more they'll desire personal contact because they want the warmth from the comprehension that is missing from a machine," he continued.

Dafydd explained Artificial intelligence can inform clients and make coaching more efficient.

But, he said true dedication comes when people show up in person for their sessions.

"No matter how helpful as it is at the middle of the night, a computer cannot ensure you show up at early morning before work," he concluded.

For many, he said, the fitness center is a space to disconnect from devices and stop being glued to screens.