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A runner

Following a holiday period filled with rich foods and relaxation, numerous individuals enter the new year looking to regain their fitness momentum.

However, could AI be changing the world of exercise by providing an alternative to personal trainers?

Tailored Programs and Flexible Schedules

One fitness enthusiast employed an artificial intelligence application for last-minute training for the Cardiff Half Marathon.

This young woman hailing from a town in Wales said she liked the liberty to ask it questions at all hours – a feature she felt was not possible with a personal trainer.

Leah relied on an AI-powered fitness application that gave her customized schedules with audio coaching and pace setting for her first half marathon in recent years.

She explained she requested it to create a plan merging running and the weight training, and it produced an 11-week plan tailored to her event day and objectives.

Leah then adjusted the plan to fit her lifestyle, which she described 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. Her result was a full minute quicker than her target finish.

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

"With AI you have to motivate yourself, which I quite like," she added.

A weightlifter

Significant Fitness Improvements

Meanwhile, Richard Gallimore, 23, based in a Welsh city, has been employing artificial intelligence for his fitness and diet plans, and said he has achieved peak strength, boosting his chest press from 70kg to a much heavier load.

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

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

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

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

The Expense Contrast: AI vs. Traditional Training

One recent study in the previous year compared prices 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 cheapest provider to £132 at the highest-priced.

Based on industry research, fitness coaches determine their own fees, typically £30-£65 per hour-long appointment in most areas and about a similar range in London.

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

A personal trainer

The Essential Human Touch

Personal trainer Dafydd Judd, from the Welsh capital, said artificial intelligence can be useful to speed up progress, but is convinced it will not supplant the human connection and accountability that in-person coaching provides.

This expert, who has 12 years experience as a coach, specialises in senior clients and injury rehabilitation. He mentioned a number of his clients also use technology.

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

"I believe the more people are connected digitally the more they'll desire personal contact because they crave the empathy from the understanding that is absent from a machine," he continued.

Dafydd said AI can educate clients and make guidance more effective.

But, he argued true dedication comes when people appear physically for training.

"No matter how helpful as it is at the middle of the night, a digital tool won't keep you accountable at early morning before work," Dafydd added.

In the view of many, he suggested, the gym is a space to disconnect from devices and take a break from technology.