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Leah Walsh

After a holiday period packed with indulgent treats and relaxation, numerous individuals head into January looking to regain their fitness momentum.

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

Personalized Programs and Flexible Timelines

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 explained she appreciated the liberty to pose queries at all hours – a feature she felt was unavailable with a personal trainer.

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

She said she asked it to design a plan merging cardio and the gym, and it produced an multi-week programme customized to her race date and goals.

Leah then tweaked the plan to suit her daily routine, which she described was highly practical.

Subsequently, she chose a alternative application because it was more affordable and she could ask it questions whenever she wanted. She finished a minute faster than her target finish.

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

"Using AI you have to find your own drive, which I actually prefer," she remarked.

Richard Gallimore

Significant Strength Gains

In a similar case, Another individual, 23, from Swansea, has been employing artificial intelligence for his fitness and diet plans, and reported he has never felt stronger, increasing his bench press from a lower weight to 110kg.

He resorted to a AI assistant 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 constructed a workout and diet plan personalized to his goals, and created structured routines.

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

The Expense Comparison: AI vs. Conventional Coaching

A recent study in late 2024 analyzed costs for numerous of the largest gym brands and found the average membership cost was around £38 a month, for standard memberships.

Prices ranged from £23 at the most affordable provider to a premium rate at the highest-priced.

According to industry research, personal trainers set their own rates, usually a range of thirty to sixty-five pounds per 45-60 minute appointment outside London and about £45-£65 in London.

Clients typically hire a coach once or twice a week and collaborate for a short period, however these agreements are often adaptable.

Dafydd Judd

The Essential Human Touch

Fitness coach Dafydd Judd, based in the Welsh capital, said artificial intelligence can be beneficial to speed up progress, but is convinced it will not supplant the personal interaction and responsibility that in-person coaching offers.

This expert, who has over a decade of experience as a coach, specialises in senior clients and recovery from injuries. He mentioned some of his clients also use AI.

"In my opinion it's extremely useful, additional information is positive," he said.

"I believe the more people are connected digitally the more they'll desire personal contact because they want the empathy from the understanding that is absent from a computer," he continued.

The trainer explained Artificial intelligence can inform clients and make guidance more effective.

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

"As useful as it is at the middle of the night, a computer won't keep you accountable at 7am before work," Dafydd concluded.

In the view of many, he suggested, the gym is a place to leave phones behind and stop being glued to screens.