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Leah Walsh

Following a festive period packed with rich foods and downtime, numerous individuals head into January looking to regain their fitness momentum.

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

Personalized Plans and Adaptable Schedules

One fitness enthusiast employed an artificial intelligence application for last-minute preparation for the Cardiff Half Marathon.

The 21-year-old from a town in Wales said she appreciated the liberty to ask it questions any time of day – something she felt was not possible with a personal trainer.

She relied on an AI-powered fitness application that provided her customized schedules with audio coaching and pace setting for her first long-distance race in 2024.

She said she asked it to design a regimen combining cardio and the gym, and it produced an 11-week plan tailored to her event day and goals.

The user then adjusted the schedule to fit her daily routine, which she said was convenient.

Subsequently, she opted for 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 wanted to avoid the pressure from a live instructor.

"With AI you have to motivate yourself, which I quite like," she remarked.

A weightlifter

Remarkable Fitness Gains

Meanwhile, Richard Gallimore, 23, based in a Welsh city, has been employing artificial intelligence for his exercise and nutrition programs, and reported he has never felt stronger, boosting his bench press from a lower weight to 110kg.

He resorted to a bot for help after being unable to run a running event.

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

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

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

The Cost Contrast: Technology vs. Traditional Training

One recent study in the previous year analyzed costs for 17 of the biggest gym brands and found the typical monthly fee was approximately forty pounds a month, for basic memberships.

Prices started at £23 at the most affordable chain to £132 at the highest-priced.

Based on industry research, fitness coaches set their own rates, usually £30-£65 per 45-60 minute appointment in most areas and about £45-£65 in London.

Clients will often use a coach once or twice a week and work with them for a few months, however these agreements are often adaptable.

A personal trainer

The Essential Human Touch

Personal trainer one experienced professional, based in Cardiff, acknowledged artificial intelligence can be beneficial to accelerate results, but believes it will never replace 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 recovery from injuries. He said a number of his trainees also employ technology.

"I think it's extremely useful, additional information is positive," he stated.

"I believe the more that people are connected digitally the more they'll want human connection because they crave the warmth from the comprehension that is absent from a machine," he added.

Dafydd explained AI can educate users and make coaching more efficient.

But, he argued real commitment comes when people appear physically for their sessions.

"No matter how helpful as it is at 2am, a computer won't keep you accountable at 7am before work," he added.

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