Leah Walsh
Following a festive period filled with rich foods and downtime, many people head into the new year looking to get their fitness back on track.
But, could Artificial Intelligence be changing the world of exercise by providing an alternative to personal trainers?
One fitness enthusiast employed an artificial intelligence application for impromptu training for the Cardiff Half Marathon.
This young woman hailing from a town in Wales said she liked the liberty to pose queries any time of day – something she felt was unavailable with a personal trainer.
She relied on an AI-driven running app that provided her customized schedules with voice guidance and pace setting for her inaugural long-distance race in 2024.
She explained she asked it to create a regimen merging cardio and the weight training, and it produced an 11-week plan customized to her event day and objectives.
Leah then adjusted the plan to fit her lifestyle, which she said was highly practical.
The following year, she chose a alternative application because it was more affordable and she could ask it questions whenever she wanted. She finished a full minute quicker than her target finish.
She noted she did not want the pressure from a live instructor.
"Using AI you have to find your own drive, which I quite like," she added.
Richard Gallimore
Meanwhile, Another individual, in his twenties, from a Welsh city, has been employing AI for his exercise and nutrition programs, and said he has achieved peak strength, boosting his chest press from 70kg to a much heavier load.
Richard resorted to a bot for help after being forced to walk a running event.
"I realized I had to sort myself out," he commented.
This no-cost application built a workout and diet plan personalized to his aims, and established structured routines.
"I train for about two hours a day and I've seen a noticeable change," he said.
One recent study in late 2024 compared prices for 17 of the largest fitness chains and found the typical monthly fee was around £38 a month, based on basic memberships.
Fees started at £23 at the cheapest provider to £132 at the most expensive.
Based on further data, fitness coaches set their own rates, usually £30-£65 per hour-long session outside London and about £45-£65 in London.
Customers will often use a trainer once or twice a week and work with them for a short period, but these arrangements are completely flexible.
Dafydd Judd
Personal trainer one experienced professional, based in Cardiff, said artificial intelligence can be useful to accelerate results, but is convinced it will not supplant the human connection and responsibility that in-person coaching offers.
The 37-year-old, who has 12 years experience as a coach, focuses on older adults and recovery from injuries. He mentioned some of his trainees also employ AI.
"In my opinion it's very valuable, more knowledge is good," he stated.
"I think the more that people are connected digitally the more they'll desire human connection because they want the warmth from the comprehension that is missing from a computer," he continued.
Dafydd explained AI can educate users and make guidance more effective.
However, he argued real commitment comes when people appear in person for their sessions.
"No matter how helpful as it is at 2am, a digital tool won't keep you accountable at 7am before work," Dafydd concluded.
In the view of many, he said, the gym is a space to disconnect from devices and take a break from technology.
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