🔗 Share this article

Leah Walsh

Following a holiday period packed with rich foods and relaxation, numerous individuals head into January looking to get their fitness back on track.

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

Personalized Plans and Flexible Timelines

One fitness enthusiast employed an AI tool for last-minute training for the a major running event.

The 21-year-old hailing from a town in Wales explained she appreciated the liberty to pose queries at all hours – something she felt was unavailable with a personal trainer.

Leah relied on an AI-driven running app that provided her customized schedules with audio coaching and speed targets for her first half marathon in recent years.

She explained she asked it to create a regimen combining cardio and the gym, and it generated an multi-week programme customized to her event day and objectives.

The user then adjusted the plan to fit her lifestyle, which she described was convenient.

The following year, she chose a alternative application because it was cheaper and she could consult it whenever she wanted. Her result was a full minute quicker than her target finish.

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

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

A weightlifter

Significant Strength Gains

In a similar case, Another individual, in his twenties, based in Swansea, has been employing AI for his fitness and diet plans, and reported he has achieved peak strength, boosting his chest press from 70kg to a much heavier load.

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

"I realized I had to sort myself out," he said.

The free tool built a fitness and meal program tailored to his goals, and established organized workouts.

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

The Cost Contrast: AI vs. Traditional Coaching

A recent survey in the previous year analyzed costs for numerous of the largest fitness chains and found the typical monthly fee was around £38 a month, based on basic full-access plans.

Prices started at £23 at the most affordable provider to £132 at the most expensive.

Based on further data, fitness coaches determine their own fees, usually a range of thirty to sixty-five pounds per 45-60 minute session in most areas and about £45-£65 in the capital.

Customers typically hire a trainer one or two times a week and work with them for a few months, but these agreements are often adaptable.

Dafydd Judd

The Irreplaceable Human Touch

Fitness coach one experienced professional, based in the Welsh capital, acknowledged AI can be useful to accelerate results, but is convinced it will never replace the personal interaction and responsibility that in-person coaching offers.

The 37-year-old, who has 12 years experience as a coach, specialises in older adults and injury rehabilitation. He said some of his trainees also use technology.

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

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

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

But, he argued real commitment comes when people appear physically for training.

"No matter how helpful as it is at the middle of the night, a digital tool cannot ensure you show up at 7am before work," Dafydd added.

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