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Leah Walsh

After a festive period filled with indulgent treats and downtime, numerous individuals head into the new year looking to get their fitness back on track.

However, is it possible that AI be transforming the world of exercise by offering an option to personal trainers?

Tailored Programs and Adaptable Timelines

Leah Walsh employed an AI tool for last-minute preparation for the a major running event.

This young woman hailing from Aberdare explained she liked the liberty to pose queries any time of day – something she believed was unavailable with a personal trainer.

Leah relied on an AI-powered running app that provided her customized schedules with audio coaching and pace setting for her first half marathon in recent years.

She said she asked it to create a regimen combining cardio and the weight training, and it produced an multi-week programme tailored to her race date and goals.

The user then tweaked the schedule to fit her daily routine, which she said was highly practical.

Subsequently, she opted for a different tool because it was cheaper and she could consult it at any time. Her result was a minute faster than her goal time.

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

"Using artificial intelligence you have to motivate yourself, which I quite like," she added.

A weightlifter

Remarkable Fitness Gains

Meanwhile, Richard Gallimore, 23, based in Swansea, has been employing AI for his exercise and nutrition programs, and said he has achieved peak strength, increasing his bench press from a lower weight to a much heavier load.

Richard turned to a bot for help after being forced to walk a race.

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

This no-cost application built a workout and diet plan tailored to his aims, and established organized workouts.

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

The Cost Comparison: Technology vs. Traditional Coaching

One recent study in the previous year compared costs for numerous of the biggest gym brands and found the average membership cost was around £38 per month, based on basic full-access plans.

Prices started at £23 at the cheapest chain to a premium rate at the highest-priced.

According to further data, personal trainers set their own rates, usually £30-£65 per 45-60 minute appointment outside London and about a similar range in the capital.

Customers will often hire a coach once or twice a week and collaborate for a few months, but these arrangements are often adaptable.

A personal trainer

The Irreplaceable Personal Touch

Fitness coach Dafydd Judd, based in the Welsh capital, said AI can be useful to accelerate results, but is convinced it will not supplant the personal interaction and accountability that live training provides.

The 37-year-old, who has 12 years experience as a coach, specialises in senior clients and injury rehabilitation. He mentioned a number of his trainees also use technology.

"I think it's very valuable, additional information is good," he said.

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

Dafydd explained AI can educate clients and make guidance more effective.

However, he argued true dedication comes when people appear in person for training.

"As useful as it is at the middle of the night, a digital tool cannot ensure you show up at 7am before work," Dafydd concluded.

For many, he suggested, the fitness center is a place to leave phones behind and stop being glued to screens.