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A runner

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

But, is it possible that Artificial Intelligence be transforming the world of exercise by offering an option to human coaches?

Personalized Plans and Adaptable Schedules

Leah Walsh employed an artificial intelligence application for last-minute training for the Cardiff Half Marathon.

The 21-year-old hailing from Aberdare said she appreciated the freedom to pose queries at all hours – something she believed was not possible with a traditional coach.

Leah used an AI-driven fitness application that provided her customized schedules with audio coaching and speed targets for her first long-distance race in recent years.

She said she asked it to create a plan combining cardio and the weight training, and it produced an 11-week plan tailored to her event day and objectives.

The user then adjusted the schedule to fit her daily routine, which she described was highly practical.

The following year, she opted for a different tool because it was more affordable and she could ask it questions whenever she wanted. She finished a full minute quicker than her goal time.

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

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

A weightlifter

Remarkable Fitness Gains

Meanwhile, Richard Gallimore, 23, based in Swansea, has been employing artificial intelligence for his fitness and diet plans, and said he has achieved peak strength, increasing his chest press from a lower weight to 110kg.

He turned to a bot for assistance after being unable to run a running event.

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

This no-cost application built 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 real difference," he said.

The Cost Comparison: Technology vs. Conventional Coaching

A recent study in the previous year compared costs for numerous of the biggest fitness chains and found the typical monthly fee was approximately forty pounds a month, for standard memberships.

Fees started at a lower price at the most affordable chain to a premium rate at the highest-priced.

Based on industry research, personal trainers set their own rates, typically a range of thirty to sixty-five pounds per 45-60 minute session outside London and about a similar range in London.

Customers typically use a trainer one or two times a week and collaborate for a few months, however these arrangements are often adaptable.

Dafydd Judd

The Irreplaceable Personal Element

Fitness coach Dafydd Judd, from Cardiff, acknowledged artificial intelligence can be useful to speed up progress, but is convinced it will not supplant the human connection and accountability that live training provides.

The 37-year-old, who has over a decade of experience as a coach, specialises in senior clients and recovery from injuries. He mentioned a number of his trainees also use technology.

"In my opinion it's very valuable, additional information is positive," he stated.

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

Dafydd said Artificial intelligence can inform clients and make guidance more efficient.

However, he said real commitment comes when people appear in person for their sessions.

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

For many, he said, the gym is a space to leave phones behind and stop being glued to screens.