🔗 Share this article

Leah Walsh

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

However, could AI be transforming the world of exercise by offering an alternative to human coaches?

Personalized Programs and Flexible Timelines

Leah Walsh employed an artificial intelligence application for impromptu training for the a major running event.

The 21-year-old hailing from Aberdare said she appreciated the liberty to pose queries at all hours – a feature she believed was unavailable with a traditional coach.

She used an AI-powered fitness application that provided her customized schedules with voice guidance and pace setting for her first half marathon in recent years.

She explained she requested it to create a regimen combining cardio and the weight training, and it generated an 11-week programme customized to her race date and goals.

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

The following year, she opted for a different tool because it was cheaper and she could ask it questions whenever she wanted. She finished a full minute quicker than her goal time.

She noted she wanted to avoid the pressure from a live instructor.

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

Richard Gallimore

Remarkable Strength Gains

In a similar case, Richard Gallimore, 23, from Swansea, has been using AI for his fitness and diet plans, and reported he has achieved peak strength, increasing his chest press from a lower weight to 110kg.

He resorted to a AI assistant for assistance after being unable to run a running event.

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

This no-cost application constructed a fitness and meal program tailored to his aims, and established structured routines.

"I work out for about two hours a day and I've seen a noticeable change," he added.

The Cost Comparison: Technology vs. Traditional Coaching

One recent survey in the previous year compared prices for 17 of the largest gym brands and found the average membership cost was approximately forty pounds a month, based on standard memberships.

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

Based on industry research, personal trainers determine their own fees, typically £30-£65 per hour-long appointment in most areas and about £45-£65 in London.

Customers will often hire a trainer once or twice a week and collaborate for a short period, however these agreements are often adaptable.

A personal trainer

The Irreplaceable Human Touch

Personal trainer one experienced professional, 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 in-person coaching offers.

The 37-year-old, who has over a decade of experience as a trainer, specialises in senior clients and recovery from injuries. He mentioned a number of his clients also use technology.

"I think it's very valuable, more knowledge is positive," he stated.

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

Dafydd explained Artificial intelligence can educate clients and make coaching more effective.

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

"As useful as it is at the middle of the night, a digital tool cannot ensure you show up at early morning before work," Dafydd added.

For many, he suggested, the fitness center is a space to disconnect from devices and stop being glued to screens.