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A runner

After a holiday period filled with rich foods and relaxation, many people enter the new year aiming to get their fitness back on track.

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

Tailored Programs and Adaptable Schedules

One fitness enthusiast employed an AI tool for impromptu training for the a major running event.

The 21-year-old hailing from Aberdare explained she liked the liberty to pose queries at all hours – a feature she believed was not possible with a traditional coach.

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

She explained she asked it to create a regimen combining cardio and the gym, and it produced an multi-week plan tailored to her event day and objectives.

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

The following year, she opted for a different tool because it was cheaper and she could ask it questions whenever she wanted. She finished a minute faster than her goal time.

She said she wanted to avoid feeling pressure from a human personal trainer.

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

Richard Gallimore

Significant Strength Gains

In a similar case, Richard Gallimore, 23, based in Swansea, has been using AI for his fitness and diet plans, and said he has achieved peak strength, boosting his bench press from 70kg to 110kg.

Richard resorted to a AI assistant for help after being unable to run a race.

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

The free tool constructed a workout and diet plan tailored to his aims, and established organized workouts.

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

The Expense Comparison: AI vs. Traditional Training

A recent study in the previous year compared costs for 17 of the largest fitness chains and found the typical monthly fee was around £38 a month, based on basic full-access plans.

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

According to industry research, personal trainers set their own rates, usually a range of thirty to sixty-five pounds per 45-60 minute session outside London and about a similar range in London.

Customers will often use a trainer one or two times a week and work with them for a short period, however these agreements are completely flexible.

Dafydd Judd

The Irreplaceable Human Element

Personal trainer Dafydd Judd, from the Welsh capital, acknowledged artificial intelligence can be useful to accelerate results, but believes it will not supplant the personal interaction and accountability that live training offers.

This expert, who has 12 years experience as a trainer, specialises in older adults and injury rehabilitation. He said some of his clients also employ technology.

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

"I think the more that people are connected digitally the more they'll desire human connection because they crave the empathy from the understanding that is missing from a machine," he continued.

Dafydd explained Artificial intelligence can inform users and make guidance more efficient.

But, he argued true dedication comes when people appear in person for their sessions.

"As useful as it is at 2am, a computer cannot ensure you show up at early morning before work," he added.

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