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A runner

After a holiday period packed with rich foods and downtime, numerous individuals head into January looking to get their fitness back on track.

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

Tailored Programs and Flexible Timelines

Leah Walsh employed an artificial intelligence application for impromptu training for the Cardiff Half Marathon.

This young woman from a town in Wales explained she liked the freedom to ask it questions any time of day – a feature she believed was not possible with a personal trainer.

She relied on an AI-powered fitness application that provided her personalised plans with audio coaching and pace setting for her inaugural half marathon in recent years.

She explained she requested it to create a regimen merging running and the gym, and it produced an 11-week programme customized to her race date and objectives.

The user then adjusted the plan to suit her daily routine, which she described was convenient.

Subsequently, she chose a different tool because it was cheaper and she could ask it questions at any time. Her result was a minute faster than her goal time.

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

"Using artificial intelligence you have to motivate yourself, which I quite like," she added.

A weightlifter

Remarkable Strength Gains

Meanwhile, Richard Gallimore, 23, from Swansea, has been using AI for his fitness and diet plans, and said he has never felt stronger, boosting his bench press from a lower weight to a much heavier load.

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

"I just knew I had to sort myself out," he commented.

The free tool constructed a fitness and meal program tailored to his aims, and created structured routines.

"I train for about two hours a day and I've seen a real difference," he said.

The Expense Comparison: AI vs. Traditional Coaching

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

Fees ranged from a lower price at the cheapest provider to a premium rate at the most expensive.

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

Customers will often use a coach one or two times a week and collaborate for a short period, however these agreements are completely flexible.

A personal trainer

The Essential Human Element

Fitness coach Dafydd Judd, from Cardiff, said artificial intelligence can be useful to accelerate results, but believes it will never replace the human connection and accountability that in-person coaching provides.

This expert, who has 12 years experience as a coach, specialises in older adults and recovery from injuries. He said some of his clients also use AI.

"In my opinion it's very valuable, additional information 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 understanding that is missing from a computer," he added.

Dafydd explained AI can educate clients and make coaching more efficient.

However, he argued real commitment comes when people appear physically for training.

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

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