🔗 Share this article

A runner

Following a holiday period filled with indulgent treats and downtime, many people head into January looking to regain their fitness momentum.

However, could Artificial Intelligence be transforming the world of exercise by offering an alternative to human coaches?

Tailored Plans and Flexible Schedules

One fitness enthusiast used an artificial intelligence application for impromptu preparation for the a major running event.

This young woman from Aberdare said she liked the freedom to pose queries any time of day – something she believed was not possible with a personal trainer.

Leah relied on an AI-powered running app that gave her personalised plans with voice guidance and pace setting for her inaugural half marathon in 2024.

She explained she requested it to create a regimen merging cardio and the weight training, and it produced an multi-week plan tailored to her event day and goals.

Leah then tweaked the schedule to suit her lifestyle, which she said was highly practical.

The following year, she chose a alternative application because it was cheaper and she could ask it questions at any time. Her result was a minute faster than her goal time.

She said she did not want feeling pressure from a live instructor.

"Using AI you have to motivate yourself, which I actually prefer," she remarked.

A weightlifter

Significant Fitness Improvements

Meanwhile, Another individual, in his twenties, from a Welsh city, 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 assistance after being unable to run a race.

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

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

"I work out for about 120 minutes a day and I've seen a real difference," he added.

The Expense Comparison: AI vs. Conventional Training

A recent study in the previous year analyzed prices for numerous of the largest fitness chains and found the typical monthly fee was approximately forty pounds a month, for standard full-access plans.

Fees ranged from a lower price at the cheapest chain to £132 at the highest-priced.

Based on industry research, personal trainers determine their own fees, usually £30-£65 per hour-long appointment outside London and about a similar range in London.

Clients will often use a trainer one or two times a week and collaborate for a short period, however these arrangements are completely flexible.

Dafydd Judd

The Essential Personal Touch

Personal trainer one experienced professional, from Cardiff, said artificial intelligence can be useful to speed up progress, but believes it will never replace the human connection and accountability that in-person coaching offers.

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

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

"I believe the more people are connected digitally the more they'll want human connection because they want the empathy from the comprehension that is missing from a computer," he continued.

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

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

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

For many, he suggested, the gym is a place to disconnect from devices and take a break from technology.