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Leah Walsh

Following a festive period filled with indulgent treats and relaxation, many people enter January looking to get their fitness back on track.

But, could Artificial Intelligence be transforming the world of exercise by offering an option to personal trainers?

Tailored Programs and Adaptable Timelines

One fitness enthusiast used an artificial intelligence application for last-minute training for the a major running event.

The 21-year-old from a town in Wales explained she liked the freedom to pose queries any time of day – something she felt was unavailable with a personal trainer.

She relied on an AI-driven fitness application that gave her customized schedules with voice guidance and pace setting for her inaugural long-distance race in recent years.

She said she requested it to design a regimen merging cardio and the gym, and it generated an multi-week plan customized to her event day and objectives.

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

Subsequently, she chose a different tool because it was cheaper and she could ask it questions at any time. Her result was a full minute quicker than her goal time.

She said she wanted to avoid the pressure from a live instructor.

"With artificial intelligence you have to find your own drive, which I actually prefer," she remarked.

Richard Gallimore

Significant Strength Gains

In a similar case, Another individual, in his twenties, from Swansea, has been using artificial intelligence for his exercise and nutrition programs, and said he has achieved peak strength, increasing his bench press from a lower weight to 110kg.

Richard turned to a AI assistant for help after being forced to walk a running event.

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

This no-cost application constructed a fitness and meal program tailored to his aims, and created structured routines.

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

The Cost Contrast: Technology vs. Traditional Coaching

A recent survey in the previous year compared costs for 17 of the biggest gym brands and found the typical monthly fee was approximately forty pounds per month, based on basic full-access plans.

Fees ranged from £23 at the cheapest chain to £132 at the highest-priced.

Based on further data, personal trainers set their own rates, usually a range of thirty to sixty-five pounds per hour-long appointment in most areas and about a similar range in London.

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

Dafydd Judd

The Essential Personal Touch

Fitness coach Dafydd Judd, from the Welsh capital, said AI can be beneficial to speed up progress, but believes it will never replace the personal interaction and accountability that live training provides.

The 37-year-old, who has 12 years experience as a coach, specialises in older adults and injury rehabilitation. He said some of his trainees also use AI.

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

"I believe the more that people are connected digitally the more they'll desire personal contact because they crave the warmth from the comprehension that is absent from a computer," he added.

Dafydd said Artificial intelligence can inform clients and make guidance more effective.

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

"No matter how helpful as it is at 2am, a computer won't keep you accountable at early morning before work," he added.

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