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A runner

Following a holiday period packed with rich foods and downtime, many people enter January looking to get their fitness back on track.

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

Personalized Plans and Adaptable Schedules

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

This young woman from Aberdare said she liked the liberty to ask it questions any time of day – a feature she felt was not possible with a traditional coach.

She relied on an AI-driven running app that gave her personalised plans with audio coaching and speed targets for her first long-distance race in recent years.

She said she asked it to create a plan combining cardio and the gym, and it generated an multi-week programme customized to her race date and goals.

The user then tweaked the schedule to suit her lifestyle, which she described was convenient.

Subsequently, she opted for a alternative application because it was more affordable and she could ask it questions whenever she wanted. She finished a full minute quicker than her target finish.

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

"Using AI you have to motivate yourself, which I actually prefer," she remarked.

Richard Gallimore

Significant Strength Gains

Meanwhile, Another individual, 23, based in a Welsh city, has been employing AI for his fitness and diet plans, and reported he has achieved peak strength, boosting his chest press from a lower weight to 110kg.

Richard turned to a bot for assistance after being unable to run a running event.

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

The free tool constructed a fitness and meal program personalized to his goals, and created structured routines.

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

The Cost Comparison: AI vs. Conventional Training

A recent study in the previous year analyzed costs for numerous of the biggest fitness chains and found the typical monthly fee was approximately forty pounds per month, for standard memberships.

Fees started at a lower price at the cheapest provider to a premium rate at the most expensive.

According to industry research, fitness coaches set their own rates, typically £30-£65 per hour-long appointment in most areas and about a similar range in the capital.

Clients typically hire a trainer once or twice a week and work with them for a few months, but these arrangements are completely flexible.

Dafydd Judd

The Essential Human Element

Fitness coach one experienced professional, from the Welsh capital, said artificial intelligence can be useful to speed up progress, but is convinced it will not supplant the personal interaction and accountability that in-person coaching offers.

The 37-year-old, who has over a decade of experience as a trainer, specialises in senior clients and recovery from injuries. He said some of his trainees also use technology.

"I think it's very valuable, more knowledge is positive," he said.

"I believe the more people are online the more they'll desire personal contact because they want the empathy from the comprehension that is absent from a computer," he continued.

The trainer explained AI can educate clients and make coaching more effective.

However, he said true dedication comes when people show up physically for their sessions.

"No matter how helpful as it is at the middle of the night, a computer cannot ensure you show up at 7am before work," he added.

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