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A runner

Following a holiday period packed with rich foods and relaxation, numerous individuals enter the new year looking to get their fitness back on track.

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

Personalized Programs and Adaptable Schedules

One fitness enthusiast employed an artificial intelligence application for impromptu training for the a major running event.

This young woman hailing from a town in Wales explained she liked the liberty to ask it questions at all hours – something she felt was not possible with a personal trainer.

Leah relied on an AI-driven fitness application that gave her customized schedules with audio coaching and pace setting for her inaugural half marathon in 2024.

She said she asked it to design a plan merging cardio and the gym, and it generated an 11-week plan tailored to her event day and objectives.

Leah then tweaked the plan to suit her lifestyle, which she said was highly practical.

Subsequently, she chose a different tool because it was more affordable and she could consult it whenever she wanted. Her result was a minute faster than her target finish.

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

"With AI you have to motivate yourself, which I actually prefer," she added.

Richard Gallimore

Significant Strength Improvements

Meanwhile, Another individual, 23, based in Swansea, has been using artificial intelligence for his exercise and nutrition programs, and reported he has achieved peak strength, boosting his bench press from a lower weight to 110kg.

He turned to a AI assistant for assistance after being forced to walk a running event.

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

The free tool built a fitness and meal program personalized to his goals, and established structured routines.

"I train for about 120 minutes a day and I've seen a noticeable change," he said.

The Expense Comparison: Technology vs. Traditional Training

A recent survey in the previous year analyzed prices for numerous of the biggest fitness chains and found the typical monthly fee was approximately forty pounds a month, for standard memberships.

Prices started at a lower price at the cheapest chain to £132 at the most expensive.

Based on industry research, fitness coaches determine their own fees, typically a range of thirty to sixty-five pounds per hour-long appointment in most areas and about a similar range in London.

Customers will often hire a trainer one or two times a week and work with them for a short period, but these arrangements are completely flexible.

Dafydd Judd

The Essential Personal Touch

Fitness coach Dafydd Judd, from the Welsh capital, said artificial intelligence can be beneficial to accelerate results, but believes it will never replace the human connection and responsibility that in-person coaching offers.

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

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

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

Dafydd said AI can inform clients and make coaching more effective.

But, he said true dedication comes when people show up in person for training.

"No matter how helpful as it is at the middle of the night, a computer cannot ensure you show up at 7am before work," he added.

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