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A runner

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

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

Personalized Plans and Flexible Schedules

Leah Walsh used an artificial intelligence application for impromptu training for the Cardiff Half Marathon.

The 21-year-old from a town in Wales said she appreciated the freedom to pose queries at all hours – a feature she believed was not possible with a traditional coach.

Leah relied on an AI-driven fitness application that gave her customized schedules with audio coaching and speed targets for her inaugural half marathon in 2024.

She said she asked it to design a regimen merging cardio and the weight training, and it generated an 11-week plan customized to her event day and objectives.

Leah then tweaked the schedule to fit her daily routine, which she said was highly practical.

Subsequently, she chose a alternative application because it was more affordable and she could consult it at any time. She finished a full minute quicker than her target finish.

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

"Using AI you have to motivate yourself, which I quite like," she remarked.

A weightlifter

Significant Fitness Improvements

In a similar case, Richard Gallimore, in his twenties, based in Swansea, has been using 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 resorted to a bot for help 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 tailored to his aims, and established organized workouts.

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

The Cost Contrast: Technology vs. Traditional Training

One recent survey in the previous year analyzed costs for numerous of the biggest fitness chains and found the typical monthly fee was around £38 per month, based on basic full-access plans.

Prices started at a lower price at the cheapest chain to £132 at the highest-priced.

According to further data, fitness coaches determine their own fees, typically a range of thirty to sixty-five pounds per hour-long session outside London and about a similar range in the capital.

Customers typically hire a trainer one or two times a week and work with them for a short period, but these agreements are often adaptable.

Dafydd Judd

The Essential Human Element

Fitness coach Dafydd Judd, based in the Welsh capital, said artificial intelligence can be useful to accelerate results, but is convinced it will never replace the personal interaction and accountability that in-person coaching offers.

The 37-year-old, who has 12 years experience as a trainer, focuses on senior clients and injury rehabilitation. He said a number of his trainees also employ AI.

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

"I believe the more that people are connected digitally the more they'll desire human connection because they want the empathy from the comprehension that is missing from a machine," he continued.

Dafydd said Artificial intelligence can inform clients and make coaching more efficient.

But, he said real commitment comes when people appear physically for their sessions.

"As useful as it is at the middle of the night, a computer won't keep you accountable 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.