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Leah Walsh

After a holiday period packed with indulgent treats and downtime, many people head into the new year aiming to regain their fitness momentum.

However, could AI be transforming the fitness industry by providing an option to human coaches?

Tailored Programs and Flexible Schedules

One fitness enthusiast employed an artificial intelligence application for impromptu preparation for the Cardiff Half Marathon.

This young woman hailing from Aberdare said she appreciated the freedom to ask it questions any time of day – something she believed was not possible with a personal trainer.

She relied on an AI-powered running app that provided her personalised plans with audio coaching and speed targets for her inaugural half marathon in 2024.

She said she asked it to design a regimen merging running and the weight training, and it produced an 11-week programme customized to her event day and objectives.

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

The following year, she opted for a alternative application because it was more affordable and she could ask it questions at any time. She finished a full minute quicker than her target finish.

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

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

A weightlifter

Significant Fitness Gains

Meanwhile, Richard Gallimore, in his twenties, from a Welsh city, has been using artificial intelligence for his exercise and nutrition programs, and reported he has achieved peak strength, increasing his bench press from a lower weight to a much heavier load.

Richard turned to a bot for help after being unable to run a race.

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

This no-cost application constructed a fitness and meal program tailored to his goals, and created structured routines.

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

The Cost Comparison: Technology vs. Conventional Coaching

A recent survey in the previous year analyzed prices for numerous of the largest fitness chains and found the average membership cost was around £38 a month, for basic memberships.

Fees ranged from £23 at the most affordable chain to £132 at the most expensive.

According to industry research, personal trainers determine their own fees, typically a range of thirty to sixty-five pounds per 45-60 minute appointment outside London and about £45-£65 in the capital.

Clients typically hire a trainer once or twice a week and collaborate for a short period, but these agreements are completely flexible.

A personal trainer

The Essential Personal Element

Fitness coach Dafydd Judd, based in Cardiff, acknowledged AI can be useful to accelerate results, but is convinced it will not supplant the personal interaction and responsibility that live training offers.

This expert, who has 12 years experience as a trainer, focuses on older adults and recovery from injuries. He said a number of his clients also employ AI.

"I think it's very valuable, additional information is positive," he said.

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

The trainer explained AI can inform clients and make coaching more efficient.

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

"No matter how helpful as it is at the middle of the night, a digital tool won't keep you accountable at 7am before work," he added.

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