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A runner

After a holiday period filled with indulgent treats and downtime, numerous individuals head into the new year looking to get their fitness back on track.

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

Personalized Plans and Flexible Schedules

Leah Walsh used an AI tool for last-minute preparation for the Cardiff Half Marathon.

This young woman hailing from a town in Wales explained she liked the freedom to pose queries at all hours – a feature she felt was not possible with a personal trainer.

Leah relied on an AI-driven running app that gave her customized schedules with voice guidance and pace setting for her first half marathon in 2024.

She said she asked it to design a plan merging running and the weight training, and it generated an multi-week plan customized to her event day and goals.

The user then tweaked the plan to suit her daily routine, which she described was highly practical.

The following year, she opted for a alternative application because it was more affordable and she could ask it questions whenever she wanted. Her result was a minute faster than her target finish.

She noted she wanted to avoid feeling pressure from a human personal trainer.

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

A weightlifter

Significant Strength Gains

In a similar case, Another individual, 23, based in a Welsh city, has been employing artificial intelligence for his fitness and diet plans, and reported he has achieved peak strength, increasing his bench press from a lower weight to 110kg.

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

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

The free tool built a workout and diet plan personalized to his goals, and established structured routines.

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

The Cost Comparison: AI vs. Traditional Coaching

One recent survey in the previous year compared prices for numerous of the biggest fitness chains and found the average membership cost was around £38 per month, based on basic full-access plans.

Prices ranged from a lower price at the most affordable provider to a premium rate at the highest-priced.

According to industry research, fitness coaches set their own rates, typically £30-£65 per 45-60 minute session in most areas and about £45-£65 in London.

Clients typically hire a trainer once or twice a week and work with them for a few months, however these agreements are often adaptable.

A personal trainer

The Irreplaceable Human Element

Personal trainer one experienced professional, from Cardiff, said AI can be useful to accelerate results, but is convinced it will not supplant the personal interaction and accountability that in-person coaching offers.

The 37-year-old, who has over a decade of experience as a coach, focuses on senior clients and recovery from injuries. He said some of his clients also employ AI.

"In my opinion it's extremely useful, additional information is positive," he said.

"I think the more people are connected digitally the more they'll want personal contact because they want the warmth from the understanding that is absent from a machine," he continued.

Dafydd explained AI can inform clients and make coaching more efficient.

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

"As useful as it is at the middle of the night, a computer cannot ensure you show up at early morning before work," Dafydd added.

In the view of many, he suggested, the gym is a space to disconnect from devices and stop being glued to screens.