🔗 Share this article

A runner

Following a festive period filled with rich foods and downtime, numerous individuals head into January looking to regain their fitness momentum.

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

Personalized Programs and Adaptable Timelines

Leah Walsh employed an AI tool for last-minute preparation for the Cardiff Half Marathon.

This young woman hailing from Aberdare explained she appreciated the freedom to ask it questions at all hours – a feature she felt was unavailable with a personal trainer.

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

She said she requested it to design a regimen merging cardio and the weight training, and it produced an multi-week plan customized to her event day and objectives.

Leah then tweaked the schedule to suit her daily routine, which she described was highly practical.

Subsequently, she opted for a alternative application because it was cheaper and she could ask it questions at any time. Her result was a full minute quicker than her target finish.

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

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

A weightlifter

Significant Strength Gains

In a similar case, Another individual, 23, from Swansea, has been employing AI for his exercise and nutrition programs, and said he has achieved peak strength, increasing his chest press from a lower weight to a much heavier load.

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

"I realized I need to get myself in shape," he said.

This no-cost application constructed 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 said.

The Expense Comparison: AI vs. Traditional Training

A recent survey in the previous year compared costs for numerous of the largest gym brands and found the average membership cost was around £38 a month, for basic memberships.

Prices started at a lower price at the cheapest chain to £132 at the most expensive.

Based on further data, personal trainers set their own rates, usually a range of thirty to sixty-five pounds per 45-60 minute session in most areas and about £45-£65 in London.

Customers typically hire a trainer one or two times a week and collaborate for a few months, however these arrangements are completely flexible.

A personal trainer

The Irreplaceable Personal Element

Personal trainer Dafydd Judd, based in Cardiff, said artificial intelligence can be useful to accelerate results, but believes it will not supplant the personal interaction and responsibility that in-person coaching provides.

The 37-year-old, who has over a decade of experience as a coach, focuses on older adults and recovery from injuries. He mentioned a number of his clients also use technology.

"In my opinion it's very valuable, additional information is good," he said.

"I think the more that people are connected digitally the more they'll want personal contact because they want the warmth from the comprehension that is absent from a computer," he continued.

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

But, he argued real commitment comes when people show up physically for training.

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

For many, he said, the gym is a space to disconnect from devices and stop being glued to screens.