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Leah Walsh

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

However, is it possible that AI be transforming the world of exercise by providing an option to personal trainers?

Personalized Programs and Adaptable Timelines

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

The 21-year-old hailing from a town in Wales explained she liked the freedom to pose queries at all hours – a feature she believed was unavailable with a personal trainer.

Leah used an AI-driven running app that provided her customized schedules with voice guidance and pace setting for her first long-distance race in recent years.

She explained she asked it to create a regimen merging cardio and the gym, and it generated an 11-week plan customized to her race date and goals.

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

Subsequently, she chose a alternative application because it was cheaper and she could ask it questions whenever she wanted. She finished a minute faster than her goal time.

She noted she did not want the pressure from a human personal trainer.

"Using AI you have to motivate yourself, which I actually prefer," she remarked.

A weightlifter

Remarkable Strength Improvements

Meanwhile, Another individual, 23, 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 110kg.

He turned to a AI assistant for assistance after being unable to run a running event.

"I realized I need to sort myself out," he said.

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

"I work out for about 120 minutes a day and I've seen a noticeable change," he added.

The Cost Comparison: AI vs. Traditional Coaching

A recent survey in late 2024 analyzed costs for 17 of the largest gym brands and found the average membership cost was approximately forty pounds per month, for standard memberships.

Prices ranged from a lower price at the most affordable chain to £132 at the most expensive.

According to further data, personal trainers determine their own fees, typically 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 work with them for a short period, however these agreements are often adaptable.

A personal trainer

The Irreplaceable Human Element

Personal trainer Dafydd Judd, from the Welsh capital, acknowledged artificial intelligence can be beneficial to accelerate results, but believes it will not supplant the human connection and responsibility that in-person coaching provides.

This expert, who has over a decade of experience as a coach, focuses on older adults and injury rehabilitation. He mentioned a number of his clients also employ technology.

"In my opinion it's very valuable, additional information is positive," he said.

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

Dafydd said AI can educate users and make guidance more effective.

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

"No matter how helpful as it is at 2am, a computer cannot ensure you show up at early morning before work," he added.

For many, he said, the fitness center is a place to disconnect from devices and stop being glued to screens.