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Leah Walsh

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

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

Personalized Programs and Adaptable Schedules

Leah Walsh used an AI tool for last-minute training for the Cardiff Half Marathon.

This young woman hailing from a town in Wales explained she liked the liberty to pose queries at all hours – something she believed was not possible with a personal trainer.

Leah used an AI-driven fitness application that provided her customized schedules with voice guidance and speed targets for her inaugural half marathon in 2024.

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

The user then adjusted the schedule to suit her daily routine, which she said was highly practical.

Subsequently, she opted for a alternative application because it was more affordable and she could consult it whenever she wanted. Her result was a minute faster than her goal time.

She said she did not want feeling pressure from a live instructor.

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

Richard Gallimore

Remarkable Fitness Improvements

In a similar case, Richard Gallimore, in his twenties, based in Swansea, has been using artificial intelligence for his fitness and diet plans, and reported he has achieved peak strength, boosting his bench press from a lower weight to 110kg.

He turned to a AI assistant for help after being forced to walk a race.

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

This no-cost application constructed a fitness and meal program personalized to his goals, and created organized workouts.

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

The Expense Contrast: AI vs. Conventional Training

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

Fees started at a lower price at the most affordable provider to a premium rate at the most expensive.

According to further data, fitness coaches set their own rates, usually £30-£65 per hour-long session in most areas and about £45-£65 in the capital.

Customers will often hire a trainer one or two times a week and collaborate for a few months, but these agreements are often adaptable.

A personal trainer

The Irreplaceable Human Element

Personal trainer one experienced professional, from the Welsh capital, said AI can be useful to accelerate results, but is convinced it will never replace the personal interaction and responsibility that live training offers.

This expert, who has over a decade of experience as a coach, specialises in older adults and injury rehabilitation. He mentioned a number of his clients also use technology.

"In my opinion it's extremely useful, additional information is good," he stated.

"I believe the more that people are connected digitally the more they'll want human connection because they crave the warmth from the understanding that is missing from a machine," he added.

The trainer said AI can educate clients and make guidance more efficient.

However, he argued true dedication comes when people show up in person for training.

"No matter how helpful as it is at 2am, a digital tool won't keep you accountable at 7am before work," Dafydd added.

For many, he said, the fitness center is a space to disconnect from devices and stop being glued to screens.