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Leah Walsh

Following a holiday period packed with indulgent treats and relaxation, numerous individuals enter the new year looking to regain their fitness momentum.

But, could AI be changing the fitness industry by offering an alternative to personal trainers?

Personalized Plans and Adaptable Timelines

Leah Walsh employed an artificial intelligence application for last-minute training for the a major running event.

This young woman from a town in Wales 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 used an AI-powered running app that gave her customized schedules with audio coaching and speed targets for her first half marathon in recent years.

She explained she requested it to design a plan merging cardio and the gym, and it generated an multi-week plan customized to her race date and objectives.

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

The following year, she opted for a alternative application because it was cheaper and she could ask it questions whenever she wanted. Her result was a full minute quicker than her target finish.

She said she wanted to avoid feeling pressure from a human personal trainer.

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

Richard Gallimore

Significant Strength Gains

In a similar case, Richard Gallimore, 23, from a Welsh city, has been using artificial intelligence for his exercise and nutrition programs, and said he has achieved peak strength, boosting his bench press from 70kg to a much heavier load.

He turned to a AI assistant for help after being forced to walk a race.

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

This no-cost application built a fitness and meal program personalized to his goals, and created organized workouts.

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

The Cost Comparison: Technology vs. Traditional Training

One recent study in the previous year compared costs for 17 of the biggest gym brands and found the average membership cost was approximately forty pounds per month, for basic memberships.

Fees ranged from a lower price at the cheapest provider to a premium rate at the highest-priced.

According to further data, fitness coaches set their own rates, usually £30-£65 per hour-long session outside London and about a similar range in the capital.

Clients will often hire a trainer one or two times a week and collaborate for a short period, however these arrangements are often adaptable.

Dafydd Judd

The Essential Human Element

Fitness coach one experienced professional, from Cardiff, said AI can be beneficial to accelerate results, but believes it will not supplant the human connection and accountability that in-person coaching offers.

This expert, who has 12 years experience as a coach, focuses on older adults and recovery from injuries. He said some of his clients also use technology.

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

"I believe the more that 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.

The trainer said AI can educate users and make guidance more efficient.

But, he argued real commitment comes when people show up in person for training.

"No matter how helpful as it is at the middle of the night, a digital tool cannot ensure you show up at 7am before work," Dafydd concluded.

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