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Leah Walsh

After a holiday period filled with rich foods and downtime, numerous individuals enter the new year aiming to regain their fitness momentum.

But, could AI be transforming the fitness industry by providing an option to personal trainers?

Tailored Programs and Adaptable Schedules

One fitness enthusiast employed an AI tool for impromptu training for the Cardiff Half Marathon.

This young woman from a town in Wales explained she liked the liberty to pose queries any time of day – a feature she felt was not possible with a personal trainer.

She used an AI-driven fitness application that gave her customized schedules with audio coaching and speed targets for her inaugural long-distance race in 2024.

She said she requested it to create a plan merging running and the weight training, and it produced an multi-week programme customized to her event day and objectives.

Leah then tweaked the schedule to suit her daily routine, which she said was highly practical.

The following year, 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 target finish.

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

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

Richard Gallimore

Significant Fitness Improvements

Meanwhile, Richard Gallimore, 23, from Swansea, has been employing artificial intelligence for his exercise and nutrition programs, and said he has never felt stronger, increasing his chest 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 said.

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

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

The Expense Contrast: AI vs. Conventional Coaching

One recent survey in the previous year analyzed prices for 17 of the largest fitness chains and found the typical monthly fee was around £38 a month, for standard full-access plans.

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

Based on further data, fitness coaches determine their own fees, usually a range of thirty to sixty-five pounds per hour-long appointment in most areas and about £45-£65 in London.

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

Dafydd Judd

The Essential Human Touch

Fitness coach Dafydd Judd, based in Cardiff, acknowledged artificial intelligence can be beneficial to speed up progress, but believes 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 recovery from injuries. He said a number of his clients also employ AI.

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

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

Dafydd said AI can inform users and make guidance more effective.

However, he argued real commitment comes when people show up physically for training.

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

In the view of many, he said, the fitness center is a place to leave phones behind and stop being glued to screens.