🔗 Share this article

A runner

After a festive period filled with indulgent treats and downtime, numerous individuals head into January aiming to get their fitness back on track.

However, could AI be transforming the world of exercise by offering an alternative to personal trainers?

Personalized Programs and Flexible Schedules

Leah Walsh used an artificial intelligence application for impromptu training for the Cardiff Half Marathon.

The 21-year-old from Aberdare said she liked the liberty to pose queries at all hours – something she believed 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 inaugural half marathon in recent years.

She said she asked it to design a plan merging cardio and the gym, and it generated an multi-week plan customized to her race date and objectives.

Leah then adjusted the schedule to fit her lifestyle, which she described was convenient.

The following year, she chose a different tool because it was cheaper and she could ask it questions whenever she wanted. She finished a full minute quicker than her goal time.

She noted she did not want the pressure from a live instructor.

"With AI you have to motivate yourself, which I actually prefer," she added.

A weightlifter

Significant Fitness Improvements

Meanwhile, Richard Gallimore, 23, from Swansea, has been using AI for his fitness and diet plans, and reported he has achieved peak strength, boosting his chest press from a lower weight to a much heavier load.

Richard turned to a AI assistant for help after being unable to run a running event.

"I just knew I need to get myself in shape," he commented.

The free tool built a workout and diet plan personalized to his goals, and established organized workouts.

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

The Cost Contrast: Technology vs. Conventional Coaching

A recent study in the previous year compared costs for 17 of the largest fitness chains and found the typical monthly fee was approximately forty pounds per month, for standard memberships.

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

Based on industry research, fitness coaches determine their own fees, usually a range of thirty to sixty-five pounds per 45-60 minute session in most areas and about £45-£65 in London.

Clients will often use a trainer once or twice a week and work with them for a short period, but these arrangements are completely flexible.

A personal trainer

The Essential Human Element

Fitness coach Dafydd Judd, from Cardiff, said artificial intelligence can be beneficial to accelerate results, but is convinced it will not supplant the human connection and responsibility that in-person coaching provides.

The 37-year-old, who has over a decade of experience as a trainer, specialises in senior clients and recovery from injuries. He said some of his trainees also use technology.

"In my opinion it's very valuable, additional information is positive," he said.

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

Dafydd said AI can inform users and make coaching more effective.

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

"No matter how helpful as it is at the middle of the night, a computer won't keep you accountable at early morning before work," Dafydd added.

In the view of many, he said, the fitness center is a space to leave phones behind and take a break from technology.