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A runner

Following a festive period packed with indulgent treats and downtime, numerous individuals enter the new year aiming to regain their fitness momentum.

But, could Artificial Intelligence be transforming the fitness industry by offering an alternative to personal trainers?

Personalized Programs and Adaptable Timelines

Leah Walsh employed an AI tool for last-minute preparation for the a major running event.

The 21-year-old hailing from Aberdare said she appreciated the liberty to pose queries any time of day – a feature she believed was unavailable with a traditional coach.

She used an AI-powered fitness application that gave her personalised plans with voice guidance and pace setting for her inaugural half marathon in 2024.

She explained she asked it to design a regimen combining cardio and the gym, and it produced an 11-week programme customized to her event day and goals.

Leah then tweaked the plan to fit her lifestyle, which she described 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 goal time.

She noted she did not want the pressure from a human personal trainer.

"With AI you have to motivate yourself, which I quite like," she remarked.

A weightlifter

Significant Fitness Gains

In a similar case, Richard Gallimore, in his twenties, based in Swansea, has been using 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.

He 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 workout and diet plan personalized to his goals, and established organized workouts.

"I train for about two hours a day and I've seen a real difference," he added.

The Cost Comparison: AI vs. Traditional Training

A recent survey in the previous year analyzed prices for numerous of the largest gym brands and found the typical monthly fee was approximately forty pounds per month, based on standard full-access plans.

Prices ranged from £23 at the cheapest provider to a premium rate at the most expensive.

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

Customers typically use a trainer once or twice a week and work with them for a few months, but these arrangements are often adaptable.

Dafydd Judd

The Essential Personal Touch

Fitness coach Dafydd Judd, based in the Welsh capital, acknowledged artificial intelligence can be useful to speed up progress, but believes it will not supplant the human connection and accountability that live training offers.

The 37-year-old, who has 12 years experience as a coach, specialises in older adults and injury rehabilitation. He mentioned some of his trainees also use technology.

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

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

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

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

"No matter how helpful as it is at the middle of the night, a computer cannot ensure you show up at early morning before work," Dafydd concluded.

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