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Leah Walsh

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

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

Tailored Plans and Adaptable Schedules

Leah Walsh used an AI tool for impromptu training for the Cardiff Half Marathon.

This young woman hailing from a town in Wales said she liked the liberty to ask it questions any time of day – something she believed was not possible with a traditional coach.

Leah relied on an AI-powered running app 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 regimen combining running and the weight training, and it generated an 11-week programme tailored to her event day and goals.

Leah then adjusted the schedule to suit her daily routine, which she described was convenient.

Subsequently, she opted for a different tool because it was cheaper and she could consult it at any time. Her result was a minute faster than her goal time.

She noted she wanted to avoid the pressure from a human personal trainer.

"Using artificial intelligence you have to motivate yourself, which I actually prefer," she added.

Richard Gallimore

Remarkable Strength Improvements

In a similar case, Another individual, in his twenties, based in a Welsh city, has been employing AI for his fitness and diet plans, and said he has never felt stronger, boosting his chest press from a lower weight to a much heavier load.

He resorted to a bot for help after being forced to walk a race.

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

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

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

The Cost Contrast: Technology vs. Conventional Training

One recent study in the previous year analyzed costs for numerous of the largest gym brands and found the average membership cost was around £38 per month, based on standard memberships.

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

According to industry research, fitness coaches set their own rates, typically £30-£65 per hour-long appointment in most areas and about £45-£65 in London.

Clients will often hire a trainer one or two times a week and work with them for a few months, but these arrangements are often adaptable.

Dafydd Judd

The Essential Personal Touch

Fitness coach one experienced professional, based in Cardiff, acknowledged AI can be useful to speed up progress, but is convinced it will never replace the personal interaction and responsibility that live training provides.

The 37-year-old, who has 12 years experience as a coach, specialises in older adults and injury rehabilitation. He mentioned some of his trainees also employ AI.

"In my opinion it's very valuable, more knowledge is positive," he said.

"I think the more that people are online the more they'll desire personal contact because they want the empathy from the comprehension that is missing from a machine," he continued.

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

But, he said true dedication comes when people show up physically for their sessions.

"As useful as it is at the middle of the night, a digital tool 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.