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A runner

After a holiday period filled with indulgent treats and relaxation, numerous individuals enter 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?

Personalized Programs and Adaptable Schedules

One fitness enthusiast used an AI tool for impromptu preparation for the Cardiff Half Marathon.

This young woman from a town in Wales said she appreciated the liberty to ask it questions any time of day – something she felt was unavailable with a personal trainer.

She used an AI-driven running app that provided her personalised plans with voice guidance and pace setting for her inaugural half marathon in recent years.

She explained she requested it to create a regimen combining running and the weight training, and it produced an multi-week plan tailored to her event day and objectives.

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

The following year, she opted for a different tool because it was cheaper and she could consult it at any time. She finished a full minute quicker than her goal time.

She said she wanted to avoid the pressure from a human personal trainer.

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

Richard Gallimore

Significant Strength Gains

Meanwhile, Another individual, in his twenties, based in Swansea, has been using AI for his fitness and diet plans, and reported he has never felt stronger, increasing his bench press from 70kg to 110kg.

Richard turned to a AI assistant for help after being unable to run a running event.

"I just knew I need to sort myself out," he commented.

This no-cost application built a workout and diet plan personalized to his aims, and established organized workouts.

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

The Expense Comparison: AI vs. Conventional Training

One recent survey in the previous year compared costs for 17 of the largest fitness chains and found the typical monthly fee was around £38 a month, for standard memberships.

Prices started at £23 at the most affordable provider to a premium rate at the highest-priced.

Based on further data, fitness coaches set their own rates, usually £30-£65 per hour-long session outside London and about a similar range in the capital.

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

Dafydd Judd

The Irreplaceable Personal Touch

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

This expert, who has over a decade of experience as a trainer, specialises in senior clients and recovery from injuries. He said some of his clients also use AI.

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

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

Dafydd said Artificial intelligence can inform clients and make coaching more effective.

However, he argued real commitment comes when people show up in person for their sessions.

"As useful as it is at 2am, a computer won't keep you accountable at 7am before work," he added.

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