Leah Walsh
Following a festive period filled with rich foods and relaxation, numerous individuals enter January aiming to get their fitness back on track.
However, could Artificial Intelligence be transforming the world of exercise by providing an alternative to human coaches?
Personalized Programs and Flexible Schedules
One fitness enthusiast used an AI tool for last-minute preparation for the Cardiff Half Marathon.
This young woman from a town in Wales said she liked the freedom to pose queries any time of day – a feature she believed was not possible with a traditional coach.
Leah used an AI-driven running app that gave her customized schedules with audio coaching and pace setting for her first long-distance race in 2024.
She said she requested it to design a plan merging cardio and the gym, and it generated an multi-week programme customized to her event day and objectives.
Leah then adjusted the schedule to suit her daily routine, which she described was convenient.
Subsequently, she chose a alternative application because it was cheaper and she could ask it questions whenever she wanted. She finished a full minute quicker than her target finish.
She noted she wanted to avoid the pressure from a live instructor.
"Using artificial intelligence you have to find your own drive, which I actually prefer," she added.
Richard Gallimore
Remarkable Strength Gains
Meanwhile, Another individual, in his twenties, from Swansea, has been using artificial intelligence for his fitness and diet plans, and said 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 race.
"I realized I need to sort myself out," he said.
This no-cost application constructed a fitness and meal program tailored to his aims, and created structured routines.
"I train for about two hours a day and I've seen a real difference," he said.
The Expense Contrast: Technology vs. Traditional Coaching
A recent study in the previous year compared prices for 17 of the biggest fitness chains and found the typical monthly fee was around £38 a month, for basic full-access plans.
Prices ranged from £23 at the most affordable chain to £132 at the highest-priced.
Based on industry research, personal trainers determine their own fees, typically a range of thirty to sixty-five pounds per hour-long appointment outside London and about £45-£65 in the capital.
Customers will often hire a coach once or twice a week and work with them for a few months, however these arrangements are completely flexible.
A personal trainer
The Essential Personal Touch
Fitness coach Dafydd Judd, from 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 coach, specialises in senior clients and recovery from injuries. He mentioned some of his trainees also employ technology.
"I think it's extremely useful, more knowledge is positive," he stated.
"I think the more people are online the more they'll desire personal contact because they crave the warmth from the understanding that is absent from a machine," he continued.
The trainer said AI can educate users and make coaching more efficient.
But, he said true dedication comes when people show up in person for their sessions.
"As useful as it is at the middle of the night, a computer cannot ensure you show up at 7am before work," he concluded.
For many, he said, the gym is a place to leave phones behind and stop being glued to screens.
