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A runner

After a holiday period filled with rich foods and downtime, many people enter January aiming to get their fitness back on track.

But, is it possible that Artificial Intelligence be transforming the world of exercise by providing an alternative to human coaches?

Personalized Programs and Adaptable Schedules

Leah Walsh employed an artificial intelligence application for impromptu preparation for the a major running event.

This young woman hailing from Aberdare explained she appreciated the liberty to ask it questions any time of day – a feature she felt was not possible with a traditional coach.

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

She said she asked it to create a plan merging running and the weight training, and it generated an multi-week plan customized to her race date and objectives.

The user then adjusted the plan to suit her lifestyle, which she said was highly practical.

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

She noted she wanted to avoid feeling pressure from a human personal trainer.

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

Richard Gallimore

Significant Fitness Improvements

In a similar case, Richard Gallimore, 23, based in a Welsh city, has been employing artificial intelligence for his fitness and diet plans, and said he has achieved peak strength, increasing his chest press from a lower weight to a much heavier load.

He turned to a bot for assistance after being unable to run a race.

"I realized I need to sort myself out," he commented.

The free tool built a workout and diet plan 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: AI vs. Conventional Coaching

A recent survey in the previous year compared costs for numerous of the largest gym brands and found the typical monthly fee was around £38 a month, for standard memberships.

Prices started at £23 at the most affordable chain to £132 at the most expensive.

According to further data, personal trainers set their own rates, usually a range of thirty to sixty-five pounds per hour-long session in most areas and about £45-£65 in the capital.

Customers typically hire a coach one or two times a week and collaborate for a short period, however these arrangements are often adaptable.

A personal trainer

The Essential Personal Element

Fitness coach one experienced professional, from the Welsh capital, said AI can be useful to accelerate results, but believes it will not supplant the human connection and responsibility that in-person coaching provides.

This expert, who has 12 years experience as a coach, specialises in older adults and injury rehabilitation. He said some of his trainees also employ AI.

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

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

The trainer explained Artificial intelligence can inform clients and make coaching more efficient.

But, he said real commitment comes when people show up physically for their sessions.

"No matter how helpful as it is at the middle of the night, a computer cannot ensure you show up at 7am before work," he added.

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