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A runner

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

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

Tailored Plans and Flexible Schedules

Leah Walsh used an artificial intelligence application for last-minute preparation for the a major running event.

The 21-year-old from Aberdare explained she liked the freedom to pose queries any time of day – a feature she felt was not possible with a traditional coach.

Leah used an AI-powered running app that gave her personalised plans with audio coaching and pace setting for her inaugural long-distance race in 2024.

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

The user then adjusted the plan to fit her lifestyle, which she said was highly practical.

The following year, she chose a different tool because it was more affordable and she could consult it whenever she wanted. She finished a full minute quicker than her goal time.

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

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

Richard Gallimore

Remarkable Fitness Gains

In a similar case, Another individual, in his twenties, from a Welsh city, has been using artificial intelligence for his exercise and nutrition programs, and reported he has achieved peak strength, increasing his bench press from 70kg to a much heavier load.

He resorted to a bot for assistance after being forced to walk a running event.

"I realized I need to sort myself out," he commented.

This no-cost application built a fitness and meal program tailored to his aims, and established organized workouts.

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

The Expense Contrast: AI vs. Traditional Training

One recent survey in the previous year compared prices for numerous of the largest fitness chains and found the average membership cost was approximately forty pounds a month, based on basic memberships.

Fees ranged from a lower price at the most affordable chain to £132 at the most expensive.

According to industry research, personal trainers set their own rates, usually a range of thirty to sixty-five pounds per 45-60 minute appointment in most areas and about £45-£65 in London.

Customers typically hire a trainer one or two times a week and work with them for a short period, however these arrangements are often adaptable.

Dafydd Judd

The Irreplaceable Personal Element

Personal trainer one experienced professional, from Cardiff, acknowledged AI can be beneficial to speed up progress, but is convinced it will not supplant the human connection and accountability that in-person coaching offers.

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

"In my opinion it's very valuable, additional information is good," he said.

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

Dafydd 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 won't keep you accountable at early morning before work," Dafydd concluded.

In the view of many, he said, the gym is a place to leave phones behind and take a break from technology.