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A runner

After a festive period packed with indulgent treats and relaxation, numerous individuals head into the new year aiming to regain their fitness momentum.

But, is it possible that AI be transforming the world of exercise by providing an alternative to human coaches?

Tailored Plans and Flexible Schedules

Leah Walsh employed an AI tool for last-minute preparation for the a major running event.

The 21-year-old hailing from Aberdare explained she appreciated the liberty to pose queries at all hours – something she felt was unavailable with a traditional coach.

Leah used an AI-driven fitness application that gave her personalised plans with voice guidance and speed targets for her inaugural half marathon in recent years.

She said she requested it to create a plan combining cardio and the gym, and it generated an 11-week programme customized to her event day and goals.

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

The following year, she opted for a different tool because it was more affordable and she could consult it whenever she wanted. She finished a minute faster than her target finish.

She noted she did not want feeling pressure from a live instructor.

"With artificial intelligence you have to find your own drive, which I actually prefer," she added.

Richard Gallimore

Significant Strength Improvements

In a similar case, Another individual, in his twenties, from Swansea, has been using AI for his exercise and nutrition programs, and reported he has achieved peak strength, boosting his bench press from 70kg to 110kg.

He turned to a AI assistant 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 personalized to his goals, and created organized workouts.

"I work out for about 120 minutes a day and I've seen a real difference," he said.

The Expense Comparison: Technology vs. Conventional Coaching

A recent survey in the previous year compared costs for numerous of the biggest gym brands and found the typical monthly fee was around £38 a month, for standard full-access plans.

Fees ranged from £23 at the most affordable chain to £132 at the highest-priced.

According to industry research, personal trainers set their own rates, usually £30-£65 per 45-60 minute session outside London and about £45-£65 in London.

Clients typically use a trainer one or two times a week and work with them for a few months, however these arrangements are often adaptable.

Dafydd Judd

The Irreplaceable Personal Element

Fitness coach one experienced professional, from Cardiff, acknowledged AI can be useful to accelerate results, but believes it will never replace the human connection and responsibility that live training provides.

The 37-year-old, who has over a decade of experience as a trainer, specialises in senior clients and injury rehabilitation. He said some of his trainees also employ AI.

"In my opinion it's very valuable, more knowledge is good," he said.

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

Dafydd said AI can inform users and make guidance more effective.

But, he said true dedication comes when people appear physically for their sessions.

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

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