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A runner

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

However, is it possible that AI be transforming the world of exercise by offering an alternative to personal trainers?

Personalized Programs and Flexible Schedules

One fitness enthusiast employed an AI tool for last-minute training for the Cardiff Half Marathon.

This young woman hailing from a town in Wales said she liked the freedom to pose queries any time of day – something she believed was not possible with a traditional coach.

She relied on an AI-powered running app that provided her customized schedules with voice guidance and speed targets for her inaugural half marathon in 2024.

She explained she requested it to create a regimen merging running and the gym, and it produced an 11-week plan tailored to her race date and objectives.

The user then adjusted the plan to fit her lifestyle, which she described was highly practical.

Subsequently, she chose a alternative application because it was cheaper and she could consult it whenever she wanted. She finished a full minute quicker than her target finish.

She said she did not want feeling pressure from a human personal trainer.

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

Richard Gallimore

Significant Strength Improvements

Meanwhile, Another individual, in his twenties, from Swansea, has been using AI for his fitness and diet plans, and said he has achieved peak strength, boosting his chest press from 70kg to 110kg.

Richard turned to a AI assistant for assistance after being unable to run a race.

"I realized I need to get myself in shape," he said.

This no-cost application constructed a fitness and meal program tailored to his goals, and established organized workouts.

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

The Cost Comparison: Technology vs. Traditional Coaching

A recent study in the previous year compared costs for numerous of the biggest gym brands and found the typical monthly fee was around £38 a month, for standard full-access plans.

Prices ranged from £23 at the most affordable chain to £132 at the most expensive.

Based on further data, fitness coaches determine their own fees, typically £30-£65 per 45-60 minute appointment outside London and about £45-£65 in the capital.

Customers typically hire a coach once or twice a week and work with them for a few months, but these arrangements are completely flexible.

Dafydd Judd

The Essential Human Touch

Personal trainer Dafydd Judd, from the Welsh capital, acknowledged AI can be useful to accelerate results, but believes 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 coach, focuses on older adults and recovery from injuries. He said a number of his clients also use technology.

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

"I think the more that people are connected digitally the more they'll want personal contact because they crave the empathy from the comprehension that is missing from a computer," he continued.

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

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

"As useful as it is at the middle of the night, a computer cannot ensure you show up at 7am before work," he concluded.

For many, he suggested, the gym is a place to disconnect from devices and stop being glued to screens.