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Leah Walsh

After a holiday period packed with indulgent treats and downtime, many people enter the new year looking to get their fitness back on track.

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

Tailored Programs and Flexible Schedules

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

This young woman hailing from Aberdare explained she liked the liberty to ask it questions at all hours – a feature she felt was not possible with a traditional coach.

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

She said she asked it to create a regimen merging running and the gym, and it generated an multi-week programme tailored to her race date and goals.

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

Subsequently, she opted for a alternative application because it was cheaper and she could consult it whenever she wanted. Her result was a minute faster than her target finish.

She said she wanted to avoid the pressure from a live instructor.

"With AI you have to motivate yourself, which I quite like," she remarked.

Richard Gallimore

Significant Fitness Gains

In a similar case, Another individual, 23, based in a Welsh city, has been using AI for his fitness and diet plans, and said he has achieved peak strength, boosting his bench press from 70kg to a much heavier load.

Richard resorted to a AI assistant for help after being forced to walk a race.

"I just knew I had to get myself in shape," he said.

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

"I train for about 120 minutes a day and I've seen a real difference," he added.

The Expense Contrast: Technology vs. Traditional Coaching

A recent survey in late 2024 compared costs for 17 of the largest gym brands and found the typical monthly fee was around £38 a month, for standard memberships.

Fees started at £23 at the cheapest provider to £132 at the most expensive.

Based on further data, fitness coaches determine their own fees, typically a range of thirty to sixty-five pounds per hour-long appointment in most areas and about a similar range in London.

Clients will often use a coach one or two times a week and collaborate for a few months, but these arrangements are often adaptable.

Dafydd Judd

The Essential Personal Touch

Fitness coach one experienced professional, based in Cardiff, said AI can be useful to accelerate results, but believes it will not supplant the human connection and accountability that in-person coaching offers.

The 37-year-old, who has over a decade of experience as a trainer, specialises in older adults and recovery from injuries. He mentioned a number of his clients also employ technology.

"I think it's extremely useful, more knowledge is positive," he said.

"I believe the more that people are connected digitally the more they'll want human connection because they want the empathy from the comprehension that is missing from a machine," he added.

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

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

"No matter how helpful as it is at 2am, a digital tool won't keep you accountable at early morning before work," Dafydd added.

In the view of many, he suggested, the gym is a space to disconnect from devices and stop being glued to screens.