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Leah Walsh

Following a holiday period packed with rich foods and downtime, many people head into the new year aiming to regain their fitness momentum.

But, is it possible that AI be changing the fitness industry by offering an alternative to human coaches?

Tailored Programs and Adaptable Timelines

One fitness enthusiast used an artificial intelligence application for impromptu training for the Cardiff Half Marathon.

The 21-year-old from a town in Wales explained she liked the liberty to pose queries any time of day – something she believed was unavailable with a traditional coach.

Leah used an AI-driven running app that gave her customized schedules with audio coaching and speed targets for her inaugural half marathon in recent years.

She explained she requested it to create a regimen merging cardio and the weight training, and it produced an multi-week programme tailored to her race date and objectives.

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

The following year, she chose a different tool because it was cheaper and she could consult it at any time. Her result was a full minute quicker than her goal time.

She noted she wanted to avoid feeling pressure from a live instructor.

"With AI you have to find your own drive, which I actually prefer," she added.

Richard Gallimore

Significant Fitness Gains

In a similar case, Another individual, 23, based in Swansea, has been using artificial intelligence for his exercise and nutrition programs, and reported he has never felt stronger, increasing his bench press from 70kg to a much heavier load.

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

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

The free tool constructed a workout and diet plan personalized to his aims, and established organized workouts.

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

The Expense Contrast: Technology vs. Traditional Coaching

One recent study in the previous year compared prices for 17 of the largest fitness chains and found the average membership cost was approximately forty pounds a month, based on basic full-access plans.

Prices started at £23 at the cheapest provider to a premium rate at the most expensive.

Based on further data, personal trainers set their own rates, usually a range of thirty to sixty-five pounds per hour-long session outside London and about a similar range in London.

Clients will often use a trainer one or two times a week and collaborate for a few months, however these agreements are often adaptable.

A personal trainer

The Essential Personal Touch

Personal trainer one experienced professional, based in Cardiff, said AI can be useful to speed up progress, but is convinced it will not supplant the personal interaction and responsibility that live training provides.

This expert, who has 12 years experience as a coach, specialises in older adults and recovery from injuries. He said some of his trainees also use technology.

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

"I think the more people are online the more they'll want personal contact because they want the warmth from the understanding that is absent from a machine," he added.

Dafydd said Artificial intelligence can inform clients and make guidance more efficient.

But, he said real commitment comes when people show up physically for training.

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

For many, he said, the fitness center is a space to leave phones behind and stop being glued to screens.