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A runner

Following a festive period packed with indulgent treats and relaxation, numerous individuals head into the new year looking to regain their fitness momentum.

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

Personalized Plans and Adaptable Schedules

Leah Walsh employed an artificial intelligence application for impromptu training for the Cardiff Half Marathon.

The 21-year-old hailing from Aberdare explained she liked the liberty to pose queries at all hours – a feature she believed was unavailable with a traditional coach.

Leah relied on an AI-powered fitness application that gave her customized schedules with voice guidance and speed targets for her inaugural half marathon in recent years.

She explained she requested it to design a plan merging running and the weight training, and it produced an multi-week plan customized to her event day and objectives.

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

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 target finish.

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

"Using AI you have to motivate yourself, which I quite like," she remarked.

A weightlifter

Significant Strength Gains

Meanwhile, Richard Gallimore, in his twenties, based in Swansea, has been employing AI for his fitness and diet plans, and said he has never felt stronger, increasing 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 had to get myself in shape," he commented.

This no-cost application built a fitness and meal program personalized to his goals, and established structured routines.

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

The Cost Comparison: AI vs. Traditional Training

A recent survey in the previous year compared prices for numerous of the largest gym brands and found the average membership cost was around £38 per month, based on standard full-access plans.

Fees ranged from a lower price at the most affordable chain to a premium rate at the most expensive.

According to further data, fitness coaches set their own rates, usually a range of thirty to sixty-five pounds per hour-long appointment in most areas and about £45-£65 in London.

Clients will often use a trainer one or two times a week and work with them for a few months, however these agreements are completely flexible.

Dafydd Judd

The Essential Human Touch

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

This expert, who has over a decade of experience as a coach, focuses on senior clients and injury rehabilitation. He said some of his clients also use AI.

"I think it's extremely useful, additional information is good," he said.

"I believe the more that people are connected digitally the more they'll want personal contact because they want the empathy from the understanding that is absent from a machine," he added.

The trainer said AI can inform clients and make coaching more efficient.

However, he argued real commitment comes when people appear physically for training.

"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.

For many, he suggested, the fitness center is a place to leave phones behind and take a break from technology.