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Leah Walsh

After a festive period filled with indulgent treats and relaxation, many people enter January looking to regain their fitness momentum.

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

Tailored Programs and Flexible Timelines

Leah Walsh used an artificial intelligence application for last-minute preparation for the Cardiff Half Marathon.

This young woman from a town in Wales explained she liked the freedom to ask it questions any time of day – a feature she believed was unavailable with a traditional coach.

She used an AI-driven running app that provided her customized schedules with audio coaching and speed targets for her inaugural long-distance race in recent years.

She said she asked it to design a plan merging running and the gym, and it produced an multi-week programme customized to her event day and objectives.

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

The following year, she chose a different tool because it was more affordable 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.

"With artificial intelligence you have to find your own drive, which I quite like," she remarked.

A weightlifter

Remarkable Fitness Gains

Meanwhile, Richard Gallimore, in his twenties, from Swansea, has been employing artificial intelligence for his exercise and nutrition programs, and reported he has achieved peak strength, boosting his chest press from 70kg to 110kg.

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

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

This no-cost application built a workout and diet plan personalized to his aims, and created organized workouts.

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

The Expense Comparison: AI vs. Traditional Coaching

A recent study in the previous year analyzed costs for 17 of the biggest gym brands and found the typical monthly fee was around £38 per month, for basic memberships.

Prices started at £23 at the cheapest provider to £132 at the highest-priced.

According to further data, fitness coaches determine their own fees, usually £30-£65 per 45-60 minute session outside London and about a similar range in London.

Clients typically use a trainer one or two times a week and collaborate for a short period, but these arrangements are often adaptable.

A personal trainer

The Essential Human Touch

Fitness coach one experienced professional, based in Cardiff, said artificial intelligence can be useful to speed up progress, but is convinced it will never replace the human connection and accountability that in-person coaching offers.

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

"In my opinion it's extremely useful, more knowledge is good," he stated.

"I believe the more people are online the more they'll desire human connection because they want the empathy from the comprehension that is missing from a machine," he continued.

The trainer explained AI can inform users and make guidance more effective.

However, he argued true dedication comes when people show up in person for training.

"As useful as it is at 2am, a digital tool cannot ensure you show up at 7am before work," Dafydd added.

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