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Leah Walsh

After a holiday period packed with rich foods and downtime, many people head into the new year looking to regain their fitness momentum.

However, is it possible that AI be transforming the world of exercise by providing an option to personal trainers?

Personalized Programs and Adaptable Timelines

Leah Walsh employed an artificial intelligence application for impromptu preparation for the Cardiff Half Marathon.

This young woman from Aberdare explained she appreciated the liberty to pose queries at all hours – something she believed was not possible with a traditional coach.

She relied on an AI-driven running app that provided her personalised plans with voice guidance and pace setting for her first long-distance race in 2024.

She explained she requested it to create a plan merging running and the gym, and it produced an multi-week plan customized to her event day and objectives.

The user then tweaked the plan to suit her lifestyle, which she described was convenient.

Subsequently, she opted for a alternative application because it was more affordable and she could ask it questions whenever she wanted. Her result was 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 remarked.

Richard Gallimore

Remarkable Strength Improvements

Meanwhile, Another individual, 23, based in a Welsh city, has been employing AI for his fitness and diet plans, and said he has never felt stronger, increasing his chest press from a lower weight to 110kg.

Richard resorted to a bot for help after being forced to walk a running event.

"I just knew I had to sort myself out," he commented.

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

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

The Expense Comparison: AI vs. Traditional Training

One recent study in the previous year analyzed prices for 17 of the largest gym brands and found the average membership cost was approximately forty pounds a month, based on basic full-access plans.

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

According to industry research, personal trainers 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 the capital.

Customers will often use a trainer one or two times a week and work with them for a short period, however these arrangements are completely flexible.

A personal trainer

The Irreplaceable Personal Touch

Fitness coach one experienced professional, based in the Welsh capital, said AI can be beneficial to speed up progress, but is convinced it will not supplant the human connection and accountability that in-person coaching offers.

The 37-year-old, who has 12 years experience as a coach, focuses on older adults and injury rehabilitation. He mentioned some of his trainees also employ AI.

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

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

Dafydd explained AI can educate users and make coaching more efficient.

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

"No matter how helpful as it is at 2am, a computer cannot ensure you show up at early morning before work," he added.

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