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Leah Walsh

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

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

Tailored Plans and Flexible Schedules

Leah Walsh employed an artificial intelligence application for impromptu preparation for the Cardiff Half Marathon.

This young woman from a town in Wales said she appreciated the freedom to ask it questions at all hours – a feature she believed was not possible with a traditional coach.

Leah relied on an AI-powered fitness application that gave her customized schedules with voice guidance and speed targets for her inaugural half marathon in recent years.

She said she requested it to create a plan merging cardio and the gym, and it generated an 11-week plan tailored to her event day and goals.

Leah then adjusted the plan to fit 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 consult it whenever she wanted. She finished a minute faster than her goal time.

She noted she did not want the pressure from a live instructor.

"With artificial intelligence you have to motivate yourself, which I actually prefer," she added.

Richard Gallimore

Remarkable Fitness Improvements

In a similar case, Richard Gallimore, 23, from a Welsh city, has been employing AI for his exercise and nutrition programs, and said he has never felt stronger, increasing his bench press from a lower weight to 110kg.

Richard turned to a bot for help 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 fitness and meal program tailored to his aims, and created organized workouts.

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

The Cost Contrast: AI vs. Traditional Training

A recent survey in the previous year analyzed prices for 17 of the biggest gym brands and found the typical monthly fee was around £38 per month, based on basic full-access plans.

Prices ranged from a lower price at the most affordable chain to £132 at the highest-priced.

According to industry research, personal trainers set their own rates, usually £30-£65 per hour-long appointment outside London and about a similar range in London.

Customers typically hire a trainer once or twice a week and collaborate for a short period, however these arrangements are often adaptable.

A personal trainer

The Irreplaceable Personal Element

Personal trainer Dafydd Judd, based in the Welsh capital, acknowledged artificial intelligence can be useful to speed up progress, but believes it will never replace the human connection and responsibility that live training offers.

The 37-year-old, who has over a decade of experience as a trainer, focuses on senior clients and injury rehabilitation. He said some of his trainees also use technology.

"In my opinion it's extremely useful, additional information is good," he stated.

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

Dafydd said Artificial intelligence can inform users and make guidance more efficient.

But, 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," Dafydd concluded.

In the view of many, he said, the fitness center is a place to leave phones behind and take a break from technology.