🔗 Share this article

A runner

Following a festive period packed with indulgent treats and downtime, numerous individuals enter the new year aiming to regain their fitness momentum.

But, is it possible that AI be changing the world of exercise by offering an alternative to human coaches?

Personalized Programs and Flexible Timelines

Leah Walsh used an AI tool for impromptu preparation for the Cardiff Half Marathon.

This young woman from Aberdare explained she liked the freedom to pose queries any time of day – something she believed was not possible with a traditional coach.

She used an AI-powered fitness application that gave her customized schedules with voice guidance and speed targets for her inaugural half marathon in 2024.

She explained she requested it to design a regimen combining running and the weight training, and it generated an multi-week programme customized to her race date and goals.

Leah then adjusted the plan to fit her daily routine, which she described was highly practical.

Subsequently, she opted for a different tool because it was cheaper and she could ask it questions at any time. Her result was a minute faster than her target finish.

She said she wanted to avoid feeling pressure from a live instructor.

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

A weightlifter

Significant Strength Improvements

Meanwhile, Another individual, in his twenties, based in Swansea, has been employing artificial intelligence for his exercise and nutrition programs, and said he has achieved peak strength, increasing his chest press from 70kg to 110kg.

He turned to a AI assistant for help after being unable to run a race.

"I realized I had to get myself in shape," he said.

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

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

The Cost Contrast: Technology vs. Conventional Training

One recent survey in the previous year compared costs for numerous of the largest gym brands and found the average membership cost was around £38 per month, for basic full-access plans.

Fees ranged from £23 at the most affordable provider to £132 at the most expensive.

According to further data, personal trainers determine their own fees, typically a range of thirty to sixty-five pounds per hour-long appointment in most areas and about £45-£65 in the capital.

Customers typically hire a trainer once or twice a week and collaborate for a few months, but these agreements are often adaptable.

Dafydd Judd

The Irreplaceable Human Touch

Personal trainer Dafydd Judd, based in Cardiff, acknowledged artificial intelligence can be beneficial to speed up progress, but believes it will not supplant the human connection and accountability that live training offers.

The 37-year-old, who has 12 years experience as a coach, specialises in senior clients and injury rehabilitation. He mentioned some of his clients also use AI.

"I think it's very valuable, more knowledge is positive," he said.

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

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

However, he said true dedication comes when people show up physically for training.

"As useful as it is at the middle of the night, a computer won't keep you accountable at early morning before work," he concluded.

For many, he suggested, the gym is a place to disconnect from devices and take a break from technology.