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Leah Walsh

Following a holiday period packed with rich foods and relaxation, many people head into 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 personal trainers?

Tailored Plans and Flexible Schedules

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

The 21-year-old from a town in Wales explained she appreciated the freedom to pose queries at all hours – a feature she felt was unavailable with a personal trainer.

She used an AI-powered fitness application that gave her personalised plans with audio coaching and speed targets for her first half marathon in 2024.

She explained she requested it to design a regimen combining running and the weight training, and it produced an 11-week programme tailored to her race date and objectives.

Leah then adjusted the plan to suit her daily routine, which she described was highly practical.

Subsequently, she opted for a alternative application because it was cheaper and she could consult it whenever she wanted. She finished a full minute quicker than her target finish.

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

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

A weightlifter

Significant Fitness Improvements

In a similar case, Richard Gallimore, in his twenties, from Swansea, has been using AI for his fitness and diet plans, and reported he has never felt stronger, increasing his bench press from a lower weight to 110kg.

He turned to a bot for help after being unable to run a race.

"I realized I need to get myself in shape," he said.

The free tool built a fitness and meal program personalized to his aims, and created structured routines.

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

The Cost Comparison: Technology vs. Conventional Training

One recent survey 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.

Fees started at a lower price at the most affordable provider to £132 at the highest-priced.

Based on further data, fitness coaches determine their own fees, typically a range of thirty to sixty-five pounds per hour-long appointment in most areas and about £45-£65 in London.

Clients typically use a coach once or twice a week and collaborate for a few months, however these agreements are often adaptable.

Dafydd Judd

The Irreplaceable Personal Element

Fitness coach one experienced professional, from the Welsh capital, acknowledged artificial intelligence can be beneficial to accelerate results, but believes it will never replace the personal interaction and responsibility that in-person coaching provides.

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

"In my opinion it's very valuable, more knowledge is positive," he stated.

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

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

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

"As useful 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 suggested, the fitness center is a place to leave phones behind and stop being glued to screens.