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Leah Walsh

Following a festive period filled with indulgent treats and downtime, many people head into the new year looking to regain their fitness momentum.

But, is it possible that Artificial Intelligence be changing the world of exercise by providing an alternative to human coaches?

Tailored Programs and Flexible Schedules

Leah Walsh employed an artificial intelligence application for last-minute preparation for the Cardiff Half Marathon.

The 21-year-old hailing from Aberdare explained she liked the freedom to pose queries at all hours – something she believed was unavailable with a personal trainer.

She relied on an AI-driven fitness application that gave 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 running and the gym, and it produced an multi-week plan tailored to her event day and objectives.

Leah then tweaked the schedule to fit her lifestyle, which she said was highly practical.

The following year, she chose a different tool because it was more affordable and she could consult it whenever she wanted. Her result was a minute faster than her goal time.

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

"With artificial intelligence you have to find your own drive, which I actually prefer," she remarked.

Richard Gallimore

Remarkable Strength Improvements

Meanwhile, Richard Gallimore, 23, from a Welsh city, has been using artificial intelligence for his fitness and diet plans, and reported he has never felt stronger, boosting his bench press from 70kg to 110kg.

He resorted to a bot for assistance after being unable to run a race.

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

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

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

The Cost Contrast: Technology vs. Traditional Coaching

A recent survey in the previous year compared costs for 17 of the largest gym brands and found the average membership cost was approximately forty pounds per month, for standard memberships.

Prices ranged from a lower price at the most affordable provider to a premium rate at the highest-priced.

Based on industry research, fitness coaches set their own rates, typically £30-£65 per 45-60 minute session outside London and about a similar range in London.

Customers typically hire a trainer one or two times a week and collaborate for a few months, but these agreements are often adaptable.

Dafydd Judd

The Irreplaceable Personal Element

Fitness coach Dafydd Judd, from Cardiff, acknowledged AI can be beneficial 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 trainer, focuses on older adults and recovery from injuries. He said some of his trainees also use technology.

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

"I think the more people are connected digitally the more they'll want personal contact because they want the empathy from the understanding that is missing from a machine," he continued.

The trainer explained Artificial intelligence can educate clients and make coaching more efficient.

But, he argued true dedication comes when people show up in person for training.

"No matter how helpful as it is at the middle of the night, a digital tool cannot ensure you show up at 7am before work," Dafydd added.

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