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A runner

After a festive period filled with indulgent treats and downtime, many people enter the new year looking to get their fitness back on track.

However, could Artificial Intelligence be changing the world of exercise by offering an alternative to personal trainers?

Personalized Programs and Flexible Timelines

One fitness enthusiast employed an artificial intelligence application for impromptu preparation for the Cardiff Half Marathon.

The 21-year-old from Aberdare explained she appreciated the freedom to ask it questions any time of day – something she believed was unavailable with a traditional coach.

She used an AI-driven fitness application that provided her personalised plans with audio coaching and speed targets for her first half marathon in 2024.

She explained she requested it to create a regimen merging running and the weight training, and it generated an 11-week plan customized to her event day and goals.

Leah then adjusted the schedule to fit her lifestyle, which she described was highly practical.

The following year, 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 noted she did not want the pressure from a live instructor.

"Using artificial intelligence you have to motivate yourself, which I actually prefer," she added.

Richard Gallimore

Significant Fitness Improvements

In a similar case, Another individual, in his twenties, based in Swansea, has been using AI for his fitness and diet plans, and said he has never felt stronger, increasing his bench press from 70kg to a much heavier load.

Richard turned to a bot for help after being forced to walk a race.

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

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

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

The Cost Contrast: AI vs. Traditional Training

One recent study in the previous year analyzed costs for 17 of the biggest gym brands and found the typical monthly fee was around £38 a month, based on standard full-access plans.

Fees ranged from a lower price at the cheapest chain to a premium rate at the highest-priced.

Based on industry research, fitness coaches determine their own fees, typically a range of thirty to sixty-five pounds per hour-long session in most areas and about a similar range in London.

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

A personal trainer

The Essential Personal Touch

Fitness coach one experienced professional, based in the Welsh capital, said artificial intelligence can be beneficial to speed up progress, but is convinced it will never replace 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 said a number of his clients also employ technology.

"In my opinion it's extremely useful, more knowledge is positive," he stated.

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

The trainer said Artificial intelligence can educate users and make guidance more effective.

However, he said true dedication comes when people appear physically for training.

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

For many, he suggested, the gym is a place to disconnect from devices and take a break from technology.