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Leah Walsh

After a holiday period packed with rich foods and relaxation, numerous individuals enter January aiming to get their fitness back on track.

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

Tailored Plans and Adaptable Timelines

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

The 21-year-old hailing from a town in Wales said she liked the freedom to ask it questions any time of day – a feature she felt was unavailable with a traditional coach.

Leah relied on an AI-driven running app that gave her customized schedules with audio coaching and speed targets for her inaugural long-distance race in 2024.

She said she asked it to design a regimen merging cardio and the gym, and it produced an 11-week plan customized to her race date and goals.

The user then tweaked the plan to suit her daily routine, which she said was convenient.

The following year, she opted for a different tool because it was more affordable and she could ask it questions at any time. Her result was a full minute quicker than her target finish.

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

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

A weightlifter

Remarkable Fitness Gains

In a similar case, Another individual, in his twenties, from Swansea, has been employing artificial intelligence for his fitness and diet plans, and reported he has achieved peak strength, boosting his chest press from 70kg to a much heavier load.

Richard turned to a AI assistant for assistance after being forced to walk a running event.

"I just knew I had to get myself in shape," he said.

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

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

The Cost Contrast: AI vs. Traditional Training

One recent survey in the previous year analyzed costs for 17 of the biggest fitness chains and found the average membership cost was around £38 per month, based on standard full-access plans.

Prices ranged from £23 at the cheapest chain to £132 at the most expensive.

According to further data, personal trainers set their own rates, 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 use a coach one or two times a week and work with them for a few months, but these arrangements are often adaptable.

Dafydd Judd

The Essential Personal Touch

Personal trainer Dafydd Judd, based in Cardiff, acknowledged AI can be beneficial to accelerate results, but believes it will never replace the human connection and accountability that live training provides.

This expert, who has 12 years experience as a coach, specialises in older adults and recovery from injuries. He said some of his clients also use AI.

"I think it's extremely useful, additional information is positive," he stated.

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

Dafydd said AI can educate users and make guidance more efficient.

However, he said real commitment comes when people show up in person for training.

"As useful as it is at 2am, a computer 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.