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Leah Walsh

After a festive period filled with rich foods and downtime, many people enter the new year looking to regain their fitness momentum.

But, could AI be transforming the world of exercise by providing an alternative to personal trainers?

Personalized Programs and Flexible Timelines

Leah Walsh used an AI tool for impromptu training for the Cardiff Half Marathon.

This young woman from a town in Wales said she liked the freedom to ask it questions any time of day – a feature she believed was not possible with a personal trainer.

She relied on an AI-driven fitness application that gave her personalised plans with voice guidance and pace setting for her first half marathon in recent years.

She explained she requested it to create a regimen merging running and the weight training, and it produced an 11-week plan customized to her race date and objectives.

Leah then adjusted the plan to suit her lifestyle, which she said was convenient.

Subsequently, she chose a different tool because it was cheaper and she could consult it whenever she wanted. She finished a full minute quicker than her goal time.

She said she wanted to avoid feeling pressure from a live instructor.

"Using AI you have to find your own drive, which I actually prefer," she added.

Richard Gallimore

Significant Fitness Gains

In a similar case, Another individual, in his twenties, from Swansea, has been employing AI for his fitness and diet plans, and said he has achieved peak strength, increasing his bench press from 70kg to 110kg.

He turned to a bot for help after being unable to run a running event.

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

The free tool built 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 added.

The Expense Comparison: AI vs. Traditional Coaching

One recent survey in the previous year compared costs for 17 of the biggest fitness chains and found the typical monthly fee was around £38 per month, for basic memberships.

Fees ranged from a lower price at the most affordable provider to a premium rate at the highest-priced.

Based on further data, personal trainers set their own rates, usually £30-£65 per 45-60 minute appointment in most areas and about £45-£65 in London.

Customers typically hire a trainer once or twice a week and collaborate for a short period, however these arrangements are completely flexible.

A personal trainer

The Irreplaceable Human Element

Personal trainer Dafydd Judd, from Cardiff, said artificial intelligence can be beneficial to speed up progress, but believes it will never replace the personal interaction and accountability that in-person coaching provides.

The 37-year-old, who has 12 years experience as a coach, specialises in older adults and recovery from injuries. He mentioned some of his trainees also employ AI.

"I think it's very valuable, additional information is good," he stated.

"I think the more people are online the more they'll want personal contact because they want the warmth from the understanding that is missing from a computer," he continued.

The trainer explained Artificial intelligence can inform users and make guidance more effective.

However, he argued real commitment comes when people appear physically for training.

"As useful as it is at 2am, a digital tool cannot ensure you show up at early morning before work," he added.

For many, he said, the fitness center is a place to leave phones behind and take a break from technology.