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A runner

Following a festive period packed with indulgent treats and downtime, numerous individuals head into January aiming to regain their fitness momentum.

But, could AI be transforming the world of exercise by providing an alternative to human coaches?

Tailored Programs and Flexible Timelines

Leah Walsh employed an AI tool for impromptu training for the Cardiff Half Marathon.

This young woman from a town in Wales said she liked the liberty to ask it questions any time of day – something she felt was not possible with a personal trainer.

She used an AI-driven fitness application that gave her personalised plans with voice guidance and pace setting for her first long-distance race in 2024.

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

Leah then tweaked the plan to suit her lifestyle, which she described was convenient.

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

She noted she wanted to avoid feeling pressure from a human personal trainer.

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

Richard Gallimore

Significant Strength Gains

Meanwhile, Another individual, 23, from a Welsh city, has been employing AI for his fitness and diet plans, and reported he has never felt stronger, increasing his bench press from 70kg to a much heavier load.

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

"I just knew I had to get myself in shape," he said.

The free tool constructed a fitness and meal program personalized to his aims, and created organized workouts.

"I train for about 120 minutes a day and I've seen a noticeable change," he added.

The Expense Contrast: AI vs. Traditional Coaching

One recent study in the previous year analyzed costs for 17 of the biggest gym brands and found the typical monthly fee was approximately forty pounds a month, based on basic full-access plans.

Prices started at a lower price at the most affordable chain to £132 at the highest-priced.

Based on industry research, personal trainers determine their own fees, usually £30-£65 per hour-long appointment in most areas and about £45-£65 in London.

Clients will often hire a coach once or twice a week and collaborate for a few months, but these agreements are completely flexible.

A personal trainer

The Essential Human Touch

Personal trainer Dafydd Judd, based in the Welsh capital, said artificial intelligence can be beneficial to accelerate results, but believes it will not supplant the human connection and accountability that live training provides.

This expert, who has over a decade of experience as a coach, focuses on older adults and recovery from injuries. He said a number of his clients also use AI.

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

"I think the more that people are online the more they'll desire personal contact because they want the empathy from the understanding that is missing from a machine," he added.

The trainer explained Artificial intelligence can educate users and make guidance more efficient.

But, he argued true dedication comes when people appear in person for their sessions.

"As useful as it is at 2am, a computer won't keep you accountable at 7am before work," he added.

In the view of many, he suggested, the fitness center is a space to disconnect from devices and take a break from technology.