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Leah Walsh

After a festive period packed with indulgent treats and downtime, many people head into the new year aiming to regain their fitness momentum.

However, is it possible that Artificial Intelligence be transforming the world of exercise by providing an alternative to personal trainers?

Personalized Programs and Flexible Timelines

One fitness enthusiast employed an artificial intelligence application for last-minute preparation for the a major running event.

This young woman hailing from a town in Wales said she liked the freedom to pose queries at all hours – a feature she believed was unavailable with a personal trainer.

She relied on an AI-driven running app that provided her customized schedules with voice guidance and pace setting for her first half marathon in 2024.

She said she asked it to design a regimen combining cardio and the gym, and it produced an multi-week programme customized to her event day and goals.

Leah then tweaked the plan to suit her daily routine, which she described was highly practical.

The following year, she opted for a alternative application because it was more affordable and she could consult it whenever she wanted. Her result was a full minute quicker than her goal time.

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

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

A weightlifter

Significant Strength Gains

In a similar case, Another individual, 23, from a Welsh city, has been employing artificial intelligence for his exercise and nutrition programs, and said he has never felt stronger, boosting his bench press from a lower weight to 110kg.

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

"I just knew I had to get myself in shape," he said.

This no-cost application built a workout and diet plan tailored to his aims, and established structured routines.

"I train for about two hours a day and I've seen a noticeable change," he added.

The Expense Comparison: AI vs. Conventional Training

One recent study in the previous year analyzed prices for numerous of the biggest fitness chains and found the average membership cost was approximately forty pounds per month, for basic full-access plans.

Prices started at a lower price at the most affordable chain to a premium rate at the highest-priced.

Based on further data, personal trainers set their own rates, typically a range of thirty to sixty-five pounds per 45-60 minute session in most areas and about a similar range in London.

Customers will often use a trainer once or twice a week and collaborate for a short period, however these arrangements are completely flexible.

Dafydd Judd

The Essential Human Element

Fitness coach Dafydd Judd, based in the Welsh capital, acknowledged AI can be beneficial to accelerate results, but is convinced it will not supplant the human connection and responsibility that live training offers.

This expert, who has 12 years experience as a coach, specialises in senior clients and recovery from injuries. He mentioned some of his clients also use technology.

"In my opinion it's extremely useful, more knowledge is good," he said.

"I think the more people are online the more they'll want human connection because they want the empathy from the comprehension that is missing from a computer," he continued.

The trainer explained AI can inform users and make coaching more efficient.

But, he argued true dedication comes when people show up in person for their sessions.

"As useful as it is at the middle of the night, a digital tool won't keep you accountable at 7am before work," Dafydd added.

For many, he suggested, the gym is a place to disconnect from devices and take a break from technology.