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Leah Walsh

Following a holiday period filled with indulgent treats and relaxation, numerous individuals head into January looking to get their fitness back on track.

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

Personalized Programs and Flexible Schedules

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

The 21-year-old from Aberdare explained she liked the liberty to ask it questions any time of day – a feature she felt was unavailable with a traditional coach.

Leah used an AI-powered running app that gave her personalised plans with audio coaching and pace setting for her first half marathon in recent years.

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

The user then adjusted the plan to suit her daily routine, which she described was convenient.

Subsequently, she opted for a alternative application because it was more affordable and she could ask it questions whenever she wanted. Her result was a minute faster than her target finish.

She said she wanted to avoid the pressure from a human personal trainer.

"With AI you have to find your own drive, which I quite like," she added.

A weightlifter

Significant Fitness Improvements

In a similar case, Richard Gallimore, 23, from Swansea, has been using artificial intelligence for his fitness and diet plans, and reported he has never felt stronger, increasing his bench press from a lower weight to 110kg.

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

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

The free tool constructed a workout and diet plan personalized to his aims, and established structured routines.

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

The Expense Contrast: Technology vs. Traditional Coaching

A recent survey in the previous year analyzed costs for numerous of the biggest fitness chains and found the typical monthly fee was approximately forty pounds per month, based on basic full-access plans.

Fees ranged from a lower price at the cheapest provider to £132 at the most expensive.

According to industry research, personal trainers set their own rates, usually £30-£65 per hour-long appointment outside London and about a similar range in London.

Customers typically use a coach one or two times a week and work with them for a short period, however these arrangements are often adaptable.

Dafydd Judd

The Essential Human Touch

Personal trainer one experienced professional, based in Cardiff, acknowledged AI can be beneficial to speed up progress, but believes it will not supplant the human connection 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 a number of his trainees also employ technology.

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

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

The trainer said AI can educate clients and make coaching more effective.

But, he said true dedication comes when people appear physically for their sessions.

"No matter how helpful as it is at 2am, a computer cannot ensure you show up at 7am before work," Dafydd added.

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