🔗 Share this article

Leah Walsh

Following a festive period filled with indulgent treats and relaxation, many people head into January aiming to get their fitness back on track.

However, could Artificial Intelligence be changing the world of exercise by offering an option to human coaches?

Tailored Programs and Flexible Timelines

One fitness enthusiast used an AI tool for impromptu training for the a major running event.

The 21-year-old from Aberdare said she appreciated the liberty to ask it questions any time of day – something she believed was unavailable with a traditional coach.

Leah relied on an AI-driven fitness application that gave her personalised plans with voice guidance and speed targets for her first long-distance race in 2024.

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

The user then adjusted the plan to suit her daily routine, which she described was highly practical.

Subsequently, she opted for a different tool because it was more affordable and she could consult it whenever she wanted. She finished a full minute quicker than her target finish.

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

"With artificial intelligence you have to find your own drive, which I actually prefer," she added.

Richard Gallimore

Remarkable Strength Gains

In a similar case, Richard Gallimore, in his twenties, from Swansea, has been using AI for his exercise and nutrition programs, and reported he has achieved peak strength, increasing his chest press from a lower weight to a much heavier load.

Richard turned to a bot for assistance after being forced to walk a race.

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

The free tool constructed a workout and diet plan personalized to his goals, and created organized workouts.

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

The Expense Comparison: Technology vs. Conventional Coaching

A recent survey in the previous year analyzed costs for numerous of the largest gym brands and found the typical monthly fee was approximately forty pounds per month, for basic full-access plans.

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

Based on industry research, personal trainers set their own rates, typically £30-£65 per 45-60 minute session in most areas and about a similar range in London.

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

Dafydd Judd

The Irreplaceable Personal Touch

Personal trainer Dafydd Judd, from the Welsh capital, acknowledged artificial intelligence can be useful to speed up progress, but believes it will never replace the human connection and responsibility that live training offers.

The 37-year-old, who has 12 years experience as a trainer, specialises in senior clients and recovery from injuries. He said a number of his clients also employ AI.

"I think it's very valuable, more knowledge is good," he said.

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

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

But, he said true dedication comes when people appear physically for their sessions.

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

In the view of many, he suggested, the fitness center is a place to leave phones behind and stop being glued to screens.