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Leah Walsh

Following a holiday period filled with rich foods and downtime, numerous individuals head into the new year looking to regain their fitness momentum.

However, could AI be changing the world of exercise by providing an alternative to human coaches?

Personalized Programs and Flexible Timelines

Leah Walsh used an artificial intelligence application for last-minute training for the a major running event.

This young woman hailing from a town in Wales explained she liked the freedom to ask it questions at all hours – something she believed was unavailable with a personal trainer.

Leah relied on an AI-driven fitness application that provided her personalised plans with voice guidance and pace setting for her first half marathon in 2024.

She explained she asked it to design a plan combining running and the gym, and it produced an multi-week plan tailored to her race date and objectives.

Leah then adjusted the plan to suit her lifestyle, which she described was convenient.

The following year, she opted for a different tool because it was cheaper and she could consult it at any time. She finished a full minute quicker than her goal time.

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

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

A weightlifter

Remarkable Fitness Gains

In a similar case, Another individual, 23, based in a Welsh city, has been using artificial intelligence for his exercise and nutrition programs, and said he has achieved peak strength, increasing his chest press from a lower weight to 110kg.

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

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

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

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

The Expense Contrast: AI 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 around £38 a month, based on basic memberships.

Prices started at £23 at the most affordable chain to a premium rate at the most expensive.

According to further data, personal trainers set their own rates, typically a range of thirty to sixty-five pounds per hour-long appointment outside London and about £45-£65 in the capital.

Customers typically use a coach once or twice a week and collaborate for a short period, however these agreements are completely flexible.

A personal trainer

The Essential Personal Touch

Fitness coach Dafydd Judd, based in Cardiff, said artificial intelligence can be beneficial to speed up progress, but is convinced it will never replace the human connection and accountability that in-person coaching offers.

This expert, who has 12 years experience as a coach, specialises in older adults and recovery from injuries. He said some of his trainees also use AI.

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

"I think the more people are online the more they'll desire human connection because they want the warmth from the understanding that is absent from a machine," he added.

The trainer said AI can inform users and make guidance more efficient.

However, he argued real commitment comes when people show up physically for their sessions.

"As useful as it is at 2am, a digital tool won't keep you accountable at 7am before work," Dafydd concluded.

For many, he said, the gym is a place to leave phones behind and take a break from technology.