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Leah Walsh

Following a festive period filled with rich foods and downtime, numerous individuals enter the new year aiming to get their fitness back on track.

But, could Artificial Intelligence be transforming the fitness industry by offering an option to human coaches?

Personalized Plans and Adaptable Schedules

One fitness enthusiast employed an AI tool for last-minute preparation for the a major running event.

The 21-year-old hailing from Aberdare explained she liked the freedom to pose queries at all hours – something she believed was not possible with a personal trainer.

She relied on an AI-powered fitness application that gave her customized schedules with audio coaching and speed targets for her inaugural half marathon in 2024.

She explained she requested it to create a plan combining running and the gym, and it generated an multi-week plan tailored to her race date and objectives.

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

Subsequently, she chose a different tool because it was more affordable and she could ask it questions at any time. She finished a full minute quicker than her goal time.

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

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

A weightlifter

Significant Fitness Gains

Meanwhile, Another individual, in his twenties, from Swansea, has been employing artificial intelligence for his exercise and nutrition programs, and said he has never felt stronger, increasing his bench press from 70kg to a much heavier load.

Richard turned to a AI assistant for assistance after being forced to walk a running event.

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

The free tool built a fitness and meal program personalized to his goals, and created organized workouts.

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

The Cost Comparison: AI vs. Traditional Training

One recent study 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 standard full-access plans.

Prices started at a lower price at the cheapest chain to a premium rate at the most expensive.

Based on further data, personal trainers set their own rates, typically a range of thirty to sixty-five pounds per hour-long appointment in most areas and about £45-£65 in London.

Clients typically hire a coach once or twice a week and collaborate for a few months, however these arrangements are completely flexible.

Dafydd Judd

The Irreplaceable Personal Element

Fitness coach Dafydd Judd, based in the Welsh capital, said AI can be useful to speed up progress, but believes it will not supplant the human connection and responsibility that live training provides.

The 37-year-old, who has over a decade of experience as a coach, focuses on older adults and recovery from injuries. He mentioned a number of his trainees also use AI.

"I think it's extremely useful, additional information is positive," he said.

"I think the more people are online the more they'll desire personal contact because they crave the warmth from the understanding that is missing from a computer," he added.

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

But, 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," Dafydd added.

For many, he suggested, the gym is a place to leave phones behind and take a break from technology.