🔗 Share this article

Leah Walsh

Following a holiday period packed with rich foods and relaxation, many people head into January aiming to regain their fitness momentum.

But, is it possible that Artificial Intelligence be changing the world of exercise by offering an alternative to personal trainers?

Personalized Programs and Flexible Schedules

Leah Walsh used an artificial intelligence application for last-minute preparation for the a major running event.

This young woman from Aberdare explained she liked the liberty to pose queries any time of day – a feature she felt was unavailable with a personal trainer.

Leah used an AI-driven fitness application that provided her personalised plans with voice guidance and speed targets for her first long-distance race in 2024.

She explained she asked it to design a plan combining running and the weight training, and it produced an multi-week plan tailored to her event day and goals.

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

Subsequently, she chose a different tool because it was more affordable and she could consult it whenever she wanted. She finished a minute faster than her goal time.

She said she did not want feeling pressure from a live instructor.

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

A weightlifter

Significant Strength Gains

Meanwhile, Richard Gallimore, 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 chest press from 70kg to 110kg.

Richard turned to a AI assistant for assistance after being unable to run a race.

"I just knew I need to sort myself out," he said.

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

"I work out for about two hours a day and I've seen a noticeable change," he added.

The Expense Comparison: Technology vs. Traditional Training

One recent study in the previous year analyzed costs for numerous of the biggest gym brands and found the average membership cost was around £38 per month, based on basic memberships.

Prices ranged from £23 at the cheapest chain 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 outside London and about a similar range in the capital.

Clients will often use a trainer one or two times a week and work with them for a short period, however these agreements are completely flexible.

A personal trainer

The Irreplaceable Personal Element

Fitness coach Dafydd Judd, from the Welsh capital, acknowledged artificial intelligence can be beneficial to speed up progress, but is convinced it will never replace the personal interaction and responsibility that live training provides.

This expert, who has over a decade of experience as a trainer, focuses on older adults and injury rehabilitation. He mentioned a number of his trainees also employ technology.

"In my opinion it's very valuable, more knowledge is positive," he said.

"I think the more people are online the more they'll desire personal contact because they want the empathy from the understanding that is absent from a computer," he added.

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

However, he argued real commitment comes when people show up physically for training.

"As useful as it is at 2am, a digital tool cannot ensure you show up at 7am before work," he concluded.

For many, he said, the fitness center is a place to disconnect from devices and stop being glued to screens.