🔗 Share this article

Leah Walsh

After a holiday period filled with rich foods and downtime, numerous individuals enter the new year aiming to get their fitness back on track.

But, could AI be transforming the world of exercise by offering an option to personal trainers?

Personalized Programs and Flexible Timelines

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

The 21-year-old from Aberdare said she appreciated the liberty to ask it questions any time of day – something she believed was not possible with a traditional coach.

Leah used an AI-driven fitness application 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 plan combining cardio and the weight training, and it produced an 11-week plan customized to her event day and objectives.

The user then adjusted the schedule 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 at any time. Her result was a full minute quicker than her goal time.

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

"Using artificial intelligence you have to find your own drive, which I quite like," she remarked.

Richard Gallimore

Remarkable Fitness Gains

Meanwhile, Another individual, 23, from Swansea, has been employing artificial intelligence for his fitness and diet plans, and said he has never felt stronger, boosting his chest press from a lower weight to 110kg.

Richard turned to a bot for help after being unable to run a running event.

"I realized I had to sort myself out," he said.

This no-cost application built a workout and diet plan tailored to his goals, and established structured routines.

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

The Cost Contrast: AI vs. Conventional Training

A recent study in the previous year analyzed prices for numerous of the largest gym brands and found the average membership cost was around £38 per month, for standard full-access plans.

Prices started at a lower price at the cheapest provider to £132 at the most expensive.

According to further data, personal trainers determine their own fees, usually a range of thirty to sixty-five pounds per hour-long appointment in most areas and about £45-£65 in London.

Clients will often hire a coach one or two times a week and collaborate for a few months, however these arrangements are completely flexible.

Dafydd Judd

The Essential Human Touch

Fitness coach Dafydd Judd, based in Cardiff, acknowledged artificial intelligence can be useful to accelerate results, but believes it will not supplant the human connection and responsibility that in-person coaching offers.

This expert, who has 12 years experience as a coach, focuses on senior clients and recovery from injuries. He said a number of his trainees also employ AI.

"I think it's very valuable, more knowledge is positive," he said.

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

Dafydd said AI can educate clients and make guidance more effective.

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

"As useful as it is at 2am, a computer cannot ensure you show up at early morning before work," he concluded.

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