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A runner

Following a festive period packed with indulgent treats and downtime, numerous individuals enter January aiming to regain their fitness momentum.

However, could Artificial Intelligence be changing the world of exercise by offering an option to human coaches?

Tailored Programs and Flexible Schedules

One fitness enthusiast employed an artificial intelligence application for last-minute training for the Cardiff Half Marathon.

The 21-year-old hailing from a town in Wales explained she appreciated the liberty to ask it questions any time of day – a feature she felt was not possible with a traditional coach.

Leah used an AI-powered fitness application that gave her customized schedules with voice guidance and speed targets for her first half marathon in recent years.

She explained she asked it to design a plan merging running and the gym, and it generated an multi-week plan customized to her race date and objectives.

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

The following year, she chose a alternative application because it was more affordable and she could consult it at any time. Her result was a full minute quicker than her target finish.

She said she did not want the pressure from a live instructor.

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

A weightlifter

Significant Fitness Gains

Meanwhile, Another individual, in his twenties, based in Swansea, has been using AI for his fitness and diet plans, and reported he has achieved peak strength, boosting his chest press from 70kg to a much heavier load.

Richard turned to a bot for assistance after being unable to run a running event.

"I just knew I need to sort myself out," he said.

The free tool built a workout and diet plan personalized to his goals, and created organized workouts.

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

The Expense Contrast: Technology vs. Conventional Coaching

A recent study in the previous year analyzed prices for 17 of the biggest gym brands and found the typical monthly fee was around £38 per month, for standard full-access plans.

Prices ranged from £23 at the most affordable provider to a premium rate at the most expensive.

Based on industry research, fitness coaches determine their own fees, usually a range of thirty to sixty-five pounds per 45-60 minute appointment in most areas and about £45-£65 in London.

Customers will often hire a coach one or two times a week and collaborate for a short period, but these arrangements are often adaptable.

Dafydd Judd

The Essential Personal Element

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

This expert, who has over a decade of experience as a trainer, specialises in older adults and recovery from injuries. He said a number of his trainees also use AI.

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

"I believe the more people are online the more they'll desire human connection because they crave the warmth from the comprehension that is absent from a computer," he added.

Dafydd explained Artificial intelligence can inform users and make coaching more effective.

But, he argued real commitment comes when people appear physically for their sessions.

"No matter how helpful as it is at the middle of the night, a computer won't keep you accountable at 7am before work," he added.

In the view of many, he said, the gym is a place to leave phones behind and stop being glued to screens.