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Leah Walsh

After a festive period packed with rich foods and relaxation, numerous individuals enter January looking to get their fitness back on track.

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

Personalized Plans and Adaptable Timelines

One fitness enthusiast used an artificial intelligence application for last-minute training for the Cardiff Half Marathon.

The 21-year-old hailing from Aberdare explained she appreciated the freedom to ask it questions any time of day – a feature she believed was not possible with a personal trainer.

Leah used an AI-driven fitness application that provided her customized schedules with voice guidance and pace setting for her first long-distance race in 2024.

She said she requested it to design a plan merging cardio and the gym, and it generated an 11-week plan customized to her event day and objectives.

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

The following year, she chose a different tool because it was more affordable and she could consult it at any time. She finished a minute faster than her goal time.

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

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

A weightlifter

Remarkable Fitness Gains

Meanwhile, Richard Gallimore, in his twenties, based in a Welsh city, has been employing AI for his fitness and diet plans, and reported he has never felt stronger, increasing his chest press from 70kg to 110kg.

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

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

The free tool constructed a fitness and meal program tailored to his aims, and established structured routines.

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

The Cost Comparison: Technology vs. Conventional Coaching

One recent study in the previous year compared prices for numerous of the biggest fitness chains and found the average membership cost was around £38 per month, based on basic full-access plans.

Fees started at a lower price at the most affordable chain to a premium rate at the most expensive.

Based on further data, personal trainers set their own rates, usually a range of thirty to sixty-five pounds per 45-60 minute session in most areas and about £45-£65 in London.

Customers typically hire a coach once or twice a week and work with them for a few months, however these agreements are completely flexible.

A personal trainer

The Irreplaceable Personal Touch

Fitness coach Dafydd Judd, based in the Welsh capital, acknowledged artificial intelligence can be beneficial to speed up progress, but is convinced it will not supplant the human connection and accountability that in-person coaching provides.

The 37-year-old, who has over a decade of experience as a coach, focuses on older adults and injury rehabilitation. He mentioned some of his trainees also employ AI.

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

"I believe the more people are connected digitally the more they'll desire human connection because they want the warmth from the understanding that is missing from a computer," he continued.

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

But, he said true dedication comes when people appear 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," Dafydd concluded.

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