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Leah Walsh

Following a festive period filled with indulgent treats and relaxation, numerous individuals enter the new year looking to get their fitness back on track.

But, is it possible that Artificial Intelligence be transforming the fitness industry by providing an alternative to human coaches?

Tailored Programs and Flexible Schedules

One fitness enthusiast employed an AI tool for last-minute training for the a major running event.

This young woman hailing from a town in Wales explained she appreciated the freedom to ask it questions any time of day – a feature she felt was unavailable with a personal trainer.

She relied on an AI-powered fitness application that gave her personalised plans with voice guidance and speed targets for her first half marathon in recent years.

She explained she asked it to design a regimen combining running and the gym, and it generated an 11-week programme tailored to her race date and objectives.

Leah then adjusted the schedule to fit her daily routine, which she described was highly practical.

Subsequently, she opted for a different tool because it was more affordable and she could ask it questions whenever she wanted. She finished a minute faster than her goal time.

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

"With AI you have to find your own drive, which I quite like," she remarked.

Richard Gallimore

Significant Strength Gains

Meanwhile, Another individual, 23, based in a Welsh city, has been using artificial intelligence for his fitness and diet plans, and said he has never felt stronger, increasing his bench press from 70kg to 110kg.

Richard resorted to a AI assistant for help after being unable to run a race.

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

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

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

The Cost Contrast: AI vs. Conventional Training

One recent study in the previous year compared costs for numerous of the biggest fitness chains and found the average membership cost was around £38 per month, for basic memberships.

Prices started at a lower price at the most affordable provider to £132 at the highest-priced.

According to industry research, fitness coaches set their own rates, usually £30-£65 per 45-60 minute session in most areas and about a similar range in London.

Clients will often hire a trainer once or twice a week and work with them for a short period, however these agreements are often adaptable.

Dafydd Judd

The Irreplaceable Personal Touch

Personal trainer Dafydd Judd, based in Cardiff, said AI can be beneficial to speed up progress, but is convinced it will never replace the personal interaction and responsibility that live training offers.

This expert, who has 12 years experience as a coach, specialises in older adults and recovery from injuries. He said a number of his clients also employ AI.

"I think it's extremely useful, more knowledge is good," he stated.

"I think the more that people are connected digitally the more they'll want personal contact because they crave the empathy from the understanding that is missing from a computer," he added.

The trainer said AI can inform users and make guidance more efficient.

But, he argued real commitment comes when people appear in person for training.

"As useful as it is at the middle of the night, a computer cannot ensure you show up at 7am before work," Dafydd concluded.

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