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A runner

After a holiday period filled with rich foods and downtime, numerous individuals enter January looking to regain their fitness momentum.

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

Personalized Programs and Adaptable Schedules

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

The 21-year-old from a town in Wales explained she liked the liberty to ask it questions any time of day – a feature she believed was unavailable with a traditional coach.

She relied on an AI-powered running app that gave her customized schedules with audio coaching and pace setting for her first half marathon in 2024.

She explained she asked it to design a regimen combining cardio and the gym, and it generated an 11-week plan customized to her event day and goals.

The user then adjusted the schedule to fit her lifestyle, which she described was convenient.

Subsequently, she opted for a alternative application because it was cheaper and she could ask it questions at any time. She finished a minute faster than her target finish.

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

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

A weightlifter

Significant Strength Gains

Meanwhile, Richard Gallimore, 23, from a Welsh city, has been using AI for his exercise and nutrition programs, and said he has achieved peak strength, boosting his bench press from a lower weight to 110kg.

Richard turned to a AI assistant for help after being forced to walk a running event.

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

This no-cost application built a fitness and meal program personalized to his goals, and established organized workouts.

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

The Cost Comparison: AI vs. Traditional Coaching

One recent study in the previous year compared costs for 17 of the biggest fitness chains and found the average membership cost was around £38 per month, based on basic full-access plans.

Prices ranged from a lower price at the cheapest chain to a premium rate at the most expensive.

According to further data, personal trainers determine their own fees, typically a range of thirty to sixty-five pounds per hour-long appointment outside London and about £45-£65 in the capital.

Customers typically use a coach once or twice a week and collaborate for a short period, but these agreements are often adaptable.

A personal trainer

The Irreplaceable Personal Touch

Personal trainer one experienced professional, from the Welsh capital, acknowledged AI can be beneficial to accelerate results, but believes it will never replace the personal interaction and accountability that live training provides.

The 37-year-old, who has over a decade of experience as a coach, specialises in senior clients and injury rehabilitation. He mentioned a number 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 desire personal contact because they crave the warmth 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 argued true dedication comes when people show up physically for their sessions.

"As useful as it is at the middle of the night, a computer won't keep you accountable at 7am before work," Dafydd concluded.

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