🔗 Share this article

Leah Walsh

After a festive period packed with indulgent treats and relaxation, many people head into January looking to get their fitness back on track.

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

Personalized Programs and Adaptable Timelines

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

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

She relied on an AI-powered running app that provided her customized schedules with audio coaching and speed targets for her first long-distance race in recent years.

She said she asked it to design a regimen merging cardio and the weight training, and it generated an multi-week programme customized to her event day and objectives.

The user then tweaked the schedule to fit her daily routine, which she said was highly practical.

The following year, she opted for a alternative application because it was more affordable and she could ask it questions at any time. She finished a minute faster than her goal time.

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

"Using AI you have to motivate yourself, which I actually prefer," she remarked.

A weightlifter

Significant Fitness Gains

In a similar case, Richard Gallimore, 23, from a Welsh city, has been employing AI for his fitness and diet plans, and said he has achieved peak strength, increasing his bench press from a lower weight to 110kg.

He turned to a AI assistant for assistance after being forced to walk a race.

"I just knew I need to get myself in shape," he said.

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

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

The Cost Contrast: AI vs. Traditional Training

One recent survey in the previous year compared prices for numerous of the largest gym brands and found the typical monthly fee was around £38 per month, for standard memberships.

Prices ranged from a lower price at the cheapest provider to a premium rate at the most expensive.

According to industry research, fitness coaches determine their own fees, usually a range of thirty to sixty-five pounds per hour-long appointment outside London and about a similar range in the capital.

Customers typically use a trainer one or two times a week and work with them for a short period, however these arrangements are completely flexible.

A personal trainer

The Irreplaceable Personal Element

Fitness coach one experienced professional, based in Cardiff, said artificial intelligence can be useful to accelerate results, but is convinced it will not supplant the human connection and accountability that in-person coaching offers.

This expert, who has 12 years experience as a trainer, specialises in older adults and recovery from injuries. He mentioned a number of his trainees also use AI.

"I think it's very valuable, additional information is positive," he said.

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

Dafydd explained AI can educate users and make guidance more efficient.

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

"No matter how helpful as it is at 2am, a computer cannot ensure you show up at early morning before work," he added.

For many, he said, the gym is a space to disconnect from devices and stop being glued to screens.