🔗 Share this article

A runner

After a holiday period filled with indulgent treats and downtime, many people enter January looking to regain their fitness momentum.

But, could Artificial Intelligence be transforming the world of exercise by offering an option to human coaches?

Personalized Plans and Flexible Schedules

One fitness enthusiast employed an artificial intelligence application for impromptu preparation for the Cardiff Half Marathon.

The 21-year-old hailing from a town in Wales explained she appreciated the freedom to pose queries at all hours – a feature she felt was not possible with a traditional coach.

She relied on an AI-powered running app that provided her personalised plans with audio coaching and pace setting for her inaugural half marathon in recent years.

She said she requested it to create a regimen combining cardio and the gym, and it produced an 11-week programme tailored to her race date and goals.

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

Subsequently, she opted for a alternative application because it was cheaper and she could ask it questions at any time. She finished a minute faster than her target finish.

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

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

Richard Gallimore

Significant Strength Gains

Meanwhile, Richard Gallimore, in his twenties, based in a Welsh city, has been employing artificial intelligence for his exercise and nutrition programs, and reported he has achieved peak strength, boosting his bench press from a lower weight to a much heavier load.

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

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

This no-cost application built a workout and diet plan tailored to his aims, and created organized workouts.

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

The Cost Contrast: Technology vs. Traditional Coaching

A recent study in the previous year analyzed prices for numerous of the largest fitness chains and found the typical monthly fee was around £38 a month, based on standard full-access plans.

Prices ranged from £23 at the cheapest provider to £132 at the most expensive.

Based on industry research, personal trainers set their own rates, typically a range of thirty to sixty-five pounds per hour-long session outside London and about a similar range in London.

Customers typically hire a trainer one or two times a week and work with them for a short period, but these arrangements are often adaptable.

A personal trainer

The Essential Personal Element

Personal trainer Dafydd Judd, from the Welsh capital, acknowledged artificial intelligence can be beneficial to speed up progress, but is convinced it will not supplant the personal interaction and responsibility 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 a number of his clients also employ technology.

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

"I believe the more people are connected digitally the more they'll desire personal contact because they crave the empathy from the comprehension that is missing from a computer," he added.

The trainer said AI can inform users and make coaching more efficient.

However, he said true dedication comes when people appear in person for training.

"As useful as it is at the middle of the night, a digital tool cannot ensure you show up at early morning before work," he added.

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