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Leah Walsh

Following a holiday period filled with rich foods and downtime, many people head into January aiming to regain their fitness momentum.

But, could Artificial Intelligence be changing the world of exercise by offering an option to personal trainers?

Tailored Plans and Flexible Timelines

One fitness enthusiast used an artificial intelligence application for last-minute training for the a major running event.

This young woman from Aberdare explained she liked the freedom to pose queries at all hours – a feature she felt was not possible with a traditional coach.

She relied on an AI-powered fitness application that gave her customized schedules with audio coaching and pace setting for her inaugural long-distance race in recent years.

She said she asked it to create a regimen merging running and the gym, and it generated an multi-week plan customized to her race date and objectives.

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

Subsequently, she opted for a different tool because it was cheaper and she could consult it at any time. She finished a full minute quicker than her target finish.

She said she did not want the pressure from a human personal trainer.

"With artificial intelligence you have to motivate yourself, which I actually prefer," she remarked.

Richard Gallimore

Remarkable Fitness Gains

Meanwhile, Another individual, 23, based in a Welsh city, has been employing artificial intelligence for his exercise and nutrition programs, and reported he has never felt stronger, increasing his chest press from a lower weight to 110kg.

Richard resorted to a AI assistant for help after being unable to run a running event.

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

The free tool constructed a workout and diet plan tailored to his aims, and established organized workouts.

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

The Cost Contrast: AI vs. Conventional Coaching

A recent study in the previous year analyzed costs for 17 of the largest fitness chains and found the typical monthly fee was approximately forty pounds per month, based on standard memberships.

Fees ranged from a lower price at the most affordable provider to a premium rate at the most expensive.

According to further data, fitness coaches set their own rates, usually a range of thirty to sixty-five pounds per hour-long appointment in most areas and about a similar range in London.

Customers will often hire a coach once or twice a week and collaborate for a few months, however these agreements are completely flexible.

A personal trainer

The Irreplaceable Personal Element

Fitness coach Dafydd Judd, from the Welsh capital, said AI can be useful to accelerate results, but is convinced it will not supplant the human connection and accountability that live training provides.

This expert, who has 12 years experience as a trainer, focuses on senior clients and recovery from injuries. He mentioned a number of his clients also employ technology.

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

"I think the more that people are online the more they'll want human connection because they want the warmth from the understanding that is absent from a computer," he added.

The trainer explained Artificial intelligence can educate users and make coaching more efficient.

But, he said real commitment comes when people show up physically for training.

"No matter how helpful as it is at 2am, a digital tool cannot ensure you show up at early morning before work," Dafydd concluded.

In the view of many, he suggested, the fitness center is a place to leave phones behind and take a break from technology.