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Leah Walsh

After a festive period filled with indulgent treats and downtime, many people head into January looking to get their fitness back on track.

But, could AI be transforming the fitness industry by providing an alternative to human coaches?

Tailored Plans and Adaptable Schedules

One fitness enthusiast used an artificial intelligence application for impromptu training for the Cardiff Half Marathon.

The 21-year-old from Aberdare said she appreciated the liberty to ask it questions at all hours – something she felt was unavailable with a personal trainer.

She relied on an AI-driven fitness application that gave her personalised plans with voice guidance and speed targets for her first long-distance race in recent years.

She explained she asked it to create a regimen merging cardio and the weight training, and it produced an multi-week programme customized to her event day and goals.

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

The following year, she chose a alternative application 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 live instructor.

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

A weightlifter

Remarkable Fitness Gains

In a similar case, Another individual, in his twenties, from Swansea, has been using AI for his fitness and diet plans, and said he has achieved peak strength, increasing his chest press from a lower weight to a much heavier load.

He turned to a bot for assistance after being forced to walk a running event.

"I realized I need to get myself in shape," he commented.

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

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

The Cost Comparison: AI vs. Traditional Training

One recent study in the previous year compared costs for 17 of the largest fitness chains and found the average membership cost was approximately forty pounds per month, based on standard memberships.

Prices started at £23 at the cheapest chain to a premium rate at the highest-priced.

Based on industry research, personal trainers determine their own fees, typically a range of thirty to sixty-five pounds per hour-long session outside London and about a similar range in London.

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

A personal trainer

The Irreplaceable Human Element

Personal trainer one experienced professional, based in the Welsh capital, said artificial intelligence can be useful to speed up progress, but is convinced it will never replace the human connection and accountability that live training offers.

The 37-year-old, who has 12 years experience as a coach, focuses on older adults and injury rehabilitation. He said a number of his trainees also employ technology.

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

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

Dafydd explained AI can inform clients and make guidance more efficient.

But, he said true dedication comes when people appear in person for training.

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

For many, he said, the fitness center is a place to disconnect from devices and stop being glued to screens.