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Leah Walsh

Following a holiday period packed with rich foods and relaxation, many people enter January aiming to get their fitness back on track.

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

Tailored Programs and Flexible Timelines

Leah Walsh used an artificial intelligence application for last-minute preparation for the Cardiff Half Marathon.

The 21-year-old hailing from Aberdare said she appreciated the liberty to ask it questions any time of day – a feature she felt was unavailable with a traditional coach.

She used an AI-powered fitness application that provided her customized schedules with voice guidance and pace setting for her first half marathon in recent years.

She explained she asked it to create a plan merging cardio and the gym, and it generated an multi-week plan tailored to her event day and objectives.

The user then adjusted the schedule to fit her daily routine, which she described was highly practical.

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

She said she wanted to avoid the pressure from a human personal trainer.

"Using AI you have to find your own drive, which I quite like," she remarked.

A weightlifter

Remarkable Strength Improvements

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

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

"I just knew I had to sort myself out," he commented.

This no-cost application built a fitness and meal program personalized to his aims, and created structured routines.

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

The Cost Comparison: Technology vs. Traditional Coaching

One recent study in the previous year analyzed prices for numerous of the biggest fitness chains and found the typical monthly fee was approximately forty pounds a month, for standard full-access plans.

Fees ranged from £23 at the cheapest provider to a premium rate at the most expensive.

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

Customers will often use a coach once or twice a week and work with them for a few months, but these arrangements are often adaptable.

A personal trainer

The Irreplaceable Human Touch

Personal trainer Dafydd Judd, from the Welsh capital, said AI can be useful to accelerate results, but is convinced it will not supplant the human connection and accountability that live training offers.

The 37-year-old, who has 12 years experience as a trainer, specialises in older adults and injury rehabilitation. 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 desire human connection because they crave the warmth from the comprehension that is absent from a computer," he continued.

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

But, he argued real commitment comes when people show up in person for training.

"No matter how helpful as it is at the middle of the night, a digital tool won't keep you accountable at 7am before work," he added.

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