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Leah Walsh

After a festive period packed with rich foods and downtime, many people head into January aiming to get their fitness back on track.

But, is it possible that AI be transforming the fitness industry by providing an option to human coaches?

Personalized Programs and Adaptable Timelines

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

This young woman from a town in Wales explained she liked the freedom to pose queries at all hours – a feature she felt was not possible with a personal trainer.

Leah relied on an AI-driven fitness application that provided her customized schedules with audio coaching and speed targets for her inaugural long-distance race in recent years.

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

The user then tweaked the plan to suit her daily routine, which she said was convenient.

The following year, she chose a alternative application because it was more affordable and she could consult it whenever she wanted. Her result was a full minute quicker than her goal time.

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

"Using artificial intelligence you have to find your own drive, which I quite like," she added.

Richard Gallimore

Remarkable Fitness Improvements

In a similar case, Another individual, in his twenties, based in Swansea, has been employing artificial intelligence for his exercise and nutrition programs, and said he has achieved peak strength, increasing his bench press from a lower weight to 110kg.

He turned to a AI assistant for assistance after being unable to run a race.

"I just knew I need to get myself in shape," he said.

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

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

The Expense Contrast: Technology vs. Traditional Coaching

One recent study in the previous year analyzed prices for 17 of the biggest fitness chains and found the typical monthly fee was approximately forty pounds a month, for basic full-access plans.

Fees started at a lower price at the most affordable chain to £132 at the highest-priced.

According to industry research, fitness coaches determine their own fees, typically £30-£65 per hour-long session in most areas and about £45-£65 in London.

Customers typically use a coach one or two times a week and work with them for a short period, but these arrangements are completely flexible.

Dafydd Judd

The Essential Personal Element

Fitness coach Dafydd Judd, from the Welsh capital, acknowledged AI can be beneficial to speed up progress, but believes it will never replace the personal interaction and responsibility that live training provides.

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

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

"I think the more that people are connected digitally the more they'll want human connection because they want the warmth from the understanding that is missing from a computer," he continued.

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

But, he argued true dedication comes when people show up physically for their sessions.

"No matter how helpful as it is at the middle of the night, a computer won't keep you accountable at early morning before work," he added.

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