A runner
Following a festive period packed with indulgent treats and relaxation, numerous individuals enter the new year looking to regain their fitness momentum.
However, could AI be transforming the world of exercise by offering an option to personal trainers?
Leah Walsh used an artificial intelligence application for last-minute preparation for the a major running event.
The 21-year-old from Aberdare said she appreciated the liberty to ask it questions any time of day – a feature she felt was unavailable with a personal trainer.
Leah relied on an AI-driven fitness application that gave her personalised plans with voice guidance and pace setting for her first half marathon in 2024.
She explained she asked it to create a regimen merging cardio and the weight training, and it generated an 11-week programme tailored to her race date and objectives.
The user then adjusted the schedule to suit her daily routine, which she described was convenient.
Subsequently, she opted for a alternative application because it was cheaper and she could consult it whenever she wanted. She finished a minute faster than her target finish.
She noted she did not want feeling pressure from a human personal trainer.
"With AI you have to find your own drive, which I actually prefer," she added.
Richard Gallimore
Meanwhile, Another individual, 23, from a Welsh city, has been employing artificial intelligence for his exercise and nutrition programs, and said he has achieved peak strength, boosting his bench press from a lower weight to 110kg.
Richard resorted to a AI assistant for assistance after being forced to walk a race.
"I just knew I had to get myself in shape," he said.
The free tool constructed a fitness and meal program tailored to his goals, and established organized workouts.
"I work out for about 120 minutes a day and I've seen a noticeable change," he said.
A recent study in late 2024 compared costs for numerous of the largest gym brands and found the typical monthly fee was around £38 a month, for basic full-access plans.
Prices ranged from a lower price at the cheapest chain to a premium rate at the highest-priced.
Based on further data, personal trainers set their own rates, usually £30-£65 per hour-long appointment outside London and about a similar range in the capital.
Clients typically use a coach once or twice a week and work with them for a short period, but these agreements are completely flexible.
A personal trainer
Fitness coach one experienced professional, based in Cardiff, said AI can be useful to speed up progress, but believes it will never replace the human connection and responsibility that live training offers.
The 37-year-old, who has 12 years experience as a coach, focuses on senior clients and injury rehabilitation. He said a number of his trainees also employ AI.
"I think it's extremely useful, more knowledge is positive," he said.
"I think the more people are connected digitally the more they'll desire personal contact because they want the empathy from the comprehension that is absent from a computer," he added.
Dafydd explained AI can educate users and make coaching more efficient.
But, he argued real commitment comes when people show up in person for their sessions.
"As useful as it is at the middle of the night, a computer won't keep you accountable at 7am before work," he added.
In the view of many, he said, the fitness center is a place to leave phones behind and take a break from technology.
