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Leah Walsh

Following a festive period packed with rich foods and relaxation, many people head into January looking to regain their fitness momentum.

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

Personalized Programs and Flexible Timelines

Leah Walsh used an artificial intelligence application for last-minute preparation for the a major running event.

The 21-year-old from Aberdare explained she appreciated the liberty to pose queries any time of day – a feature she felt was not possible with a traditional coach.

She used an AI-powered fitness application that gave her customized schedules with audio coaching and speed targets for her inaugural half marathon in recent years.

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

The user then tweaked the plan to fit her lifestyle, which she said was convenient.

The following year, she chose a alternative application because it was cheaper and she could ask it questions whenever she wanted. She finished a minute faster than her goal time.

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

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

A weightlifter

Significant Strength Improvements

In a similar case, Richard Gallimore, 23, from a Welsh city, has been using AI for his fitness and diet plans, and reported he has never felt stronger, increasing his bench press from a lower weight to a much heavier load.

Richard turned to a AI assistant for help after being forced to walk a race.

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

The free tool built a fitness and meal program personalized to his aims, and created structured routines.

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

The Cost Comparison: AI vs. Conventional Coaching

One recent survey in the previous year analyzed costs for 17 of the largest fitness chains and found the average membership cost was approximately forty pounds a month, based on standard full-access plans.

Fees started at £23 at the most affordable provider to a premium rate at the highest-priced.

Based on industry research, personal trainers set their own rates, usually a range of thirty to sixty-five pounds per hour-long appointment outside London and about a similar range in the capital.

Clients typically hire a trainer once or twice a week and collaborate for a few months, but these arrangements are completely flexible.

A personal trainer

The Irreplaceable Personal Element

Personal trainer Dafydd Judd, from Cardiff, acknowledged AI can be beneficial to accelerate results, but is convinced it will never replace the human connection and responsibility that live training offers.

This expert, who has over a decade of experience as a trainer, focuses on older adults and injury rehabilitation. He mentioned a number of his trainees also employ AI.

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

"I think the more that people are connected digitally the more they'll desire personal contact because they crave the warmth from the comprehension that is absent from a machine," he added.

The trainer said AI can inform clients and make coaching more effective.

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

"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.

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