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Leah Walsh

After a holiday period filled with indulgent treats and relaxation, numerous individuals head into the new year looking to regain their fitness momentum.

However, is it possible that AI be changing the world of exercise by providing an alternative to human coaches?

Personalized Plans and Flexible Schedules

One fitness enthusiast used an artificial intelligence application for impromptu training for the a major running event.

This young woman hailing from a town in Wales said she liked the freedom to pose queries at all hours – a feature she felt was unavailable with a personal trainer.

Leah used an AI-powered running app that provided her personalised plans with voice guidance and speed targets for her first long-distance race in recent years.

She explained she asked it to design a plan combining cardio and the gym, and it generated an 11-week plan tailored to her race date and goals.

The user then tweaked the schedule to suit her lifestyle, which she said was convenient.

Subsequently, she opted for a alternative application because it was more affordable and she could ask it questions whenever she wanted. She finished a minute faster than her target finish.

She noted she did not want feeling pressure from a human personal trainer.

"With AI you have to find your own drive, which I actually prefer," she added.

A weightlifter

Remarkable Fitness Improvements

In a similar case, Richard Gallimore, in his twenties, based in Swansea, has been using artificial intelligence for his exercise and nutrition programs, and reported he has never felt stronger, increasing his bench press from a lower weight to a much heavier load.

Richard turned to a bot for assistance after being forced to walk a race.

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

The free tool built a fitness and meal program personalized to his goals, and established structured routines.

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

The Cost Comparison: Technology vs. Conventional Coaching

A recent study in late 2024 analyzed costs for 17 of the biggest gym brands and found the average membership cost was approximately forty pounds a month, for standard memberships.

Prices ranged from a lower price at the most affordable provider to a premium rate at the most expensive.

According to industry research, personal trainers determine their own fees, typically a range of thirty to sixty-five pounds per 45-60 minute appointment outside London and about a similar range in London.

Clients will often use a coach once or twice a week and collaborate for a short period, however these agreements are completely flexible.

A personal trainer

The Essential Human Touch

Personal trainer one experienced professional, from the Welsh capital, said AI can be beneficial to accelerate results, but believes it will not supplant the human connection and responsibility that in-person coaching offers.

This expert, who has 12 years experience as a trainer, focuses on senior clients and injury rehabilitation. He mentioned some of his clients also employ AI.

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

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

Dafydd explained AI can inform clients and make guidance more efficient.

However, he argued true dedication comes when people show up in person 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 concluded.

In the view of many, he suggested, the fitness center is a space to disconnect from devices and take a break from technology.