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A runner

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

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

Personalized Programs and Adaptable Timelines

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

The 21-year-old from a town in Wales explained she liked the liberty to ask it questions at all hours – something she believed was not possible with a personal trainer.

Leah used an AI-powered running app that gave her customized schedules with voice guidance and speed targets for her inaugural half marathon in 2024.

She said she requested it to design a regimen combining running and the weight training, and it produced an 11-week plan customized to her event day and goals.

The user then adjusted the schedule to suit her lifestyle, which she described was convenient.

Subsequently, she chose a different tool because it was cheaper and she could ask it questions whenever she wanted. She finished a full minute quicker than her target finish.

She said she did not want feeling pressure from a human personal trainer.

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

A weightlifter

Significant Fitness Improvements

Meanwhile, Richard Gallimore, in his twenties, based in Swansea, has been using artificial intelligence for his exercise and nutrition programs, and said he has never felt stronger, increasing his bench press from a lower weight to a much heavier load.

He resorted to a bot for help after being forced to walk a race.

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

The free tool constructed a workout and diet plan tailored to his goals, and established organized workouts.

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

The Expense Comparison: Technology vs. Conventional Coaching

A recent survey in the previous year compared prices for numerous of the biggest fitness chains and found the average membership cost was around £38 per month, based on basic full-access plans.

Prices ranged from a lower price at the most affordable provider to a premium rate at the most expensive.

According to further data, fitness coaches set their own rates, usually £30-£65 per hour-long appointment outside London and about a similar range in London.

Customers typically hire a coach once or twice a week and work with them for a few months, but these agreements are completely flexible.

Dafydd Judd

The Irreplaceable Personal Element

Personal trainer Dafydd Judd, from the Welsh capital, said artificial intelligence can be beneficial to accelerate results, but is convinced it will not supplant the personal interaction and accountability that live training offers.

This expert, who has 12 years experience as a trainer, focuses on senior clients and recovery from injuries. He mentioned some of his clients also employ technology.

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

"I think the more people are connected digitally the more they'll desire personal contact because they crave the warmth from the comprehension that is absent from a computer," he added.

The trainer explained Artificial intelligence can educate users and make guidance more efficient.

But, he said true dedication comes when people show up in person for training.

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

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