🔗 Share this article

A runner

After a holiday period filled with indulgent treats and relaxation, many people head into the new year looking to get their fitness back on track.

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

Personalized Programs and Flexible Schedules

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

The 21-year-old hailing from a town in Wales said she appreciated the freedom to ask it questions any time of day – a feature she felt was unavailable with a personal trainer.

She relied on an AI-driven fitness application that gave her personalised plans with voice guidance and speed targets for her inaugural long-distance race in 2024.

She said she asked it to create a regimen merging cardio and the gym, and it produced an 11-week plan tailored to her race date and objectives.

The user then adjusted the schedule to fit her daily routine, which she said was highly practical.

The following year, she chose 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 goal time.

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

"With artificial intelligence you have to motivate yourself, which I actually prefer," she remarked.

A weightlifter

Significant Strength Improvements

In a similar case, Richard Gallimore, 23, from Swansea, has been employing artificial intelligence for his exercise and nutrition programs, and said he has achieved peak strength, increasing his bench press from a lower weight to 110kg.

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

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

The free tool constructed a fitness and meal program tailored to his aims, and created organized workouts.

"I work out for about 120 minutes a day and I've seen a noticeable change," he said.

The Expense Contrast: AI vs. Traditional Coaching

One recent survey in the previous year compared prices for numerous of the biggest gym brands and found the average membership cost was approximately forty pounds a month, based on basic memberships.

Prices ranged from a lower price at the cheapest provider 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 hour-long appointment outside London and about a similar range in the capital.

Clients typically hire a coach once or twice a week and collaborate for a short period, but these agreements are completely flexible.

A personal trainer

The Essential Human Touch

Personal trainer one experienced professional, based in Cardiff, said AI can be useful to accelerate results, but is convinced it will never replace the personal interaction and accountability that live training offers.

This expert, who has over a decade of experience as a coach, specialises in senior clients and recovery from injuries. He mentioned a number of his clients also employ AI.

"I think it's extremely useful, additional information is good," he said.

"I believe the more people are online the more they'll want personal contact because they want the empathy from the comprehension that is absent from a computer," he continued.

Dafydd said Artificial intelligence can educate users and make coaching more effective.

But, he said true dedication comes when people appear physically for their sessions.

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

For many, he said, the fitness center is a place to leave phones behind and take a break from technology.