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A runner

After a holiday period filled with rich foods and downtime, many people enter the new year looking to regain their fitness momentum.

But, could AI be changing the fitness industry by offering an alternative to human coaches?

Personalized Programs and Adaptable Schedules

Leah Walsh used an artificial intelligence application for impromptu preparation for the a major running event.

The 21-year-old hailing from Aberdare explained she appreciated the liberty to ask it questions any time of day – a feature she felt was unavailable with a personal trainer.

Leah used an AI-powered fitness application that gave her personalised plans with voice guidance and speed targets for her inaugural long-distance race in recent years.

She said she requested it to create a plan combining cardio and the weight training, and it generated an 11-week programme customized to her race date and goals.

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

Subsequently, she chose a alternative application because it was more affordable and she could ask it questions at any time. She finished a minute faster than her goal time.

She noted she did not want feeling pressure from a live instructor.

"Using artificial intelligence you have to motivate yourself, which I quite like," she remarked.

Richard Gallimore

Significant Fitness Gains

In a similar case, Another individual, 23, based in a Welsh city, has been employing artificial intelligence for his exercise and nutrition programs, and said he has never felt stronger, increasing his bench press from a lower weight to a much heavier load.

Richard turned to a bot for assistance after being forced to walk a race.

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

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

"I train for about 120 minutes a day and I've seen a real difference," he added.

The Cost Contrast: AI vs. Traditional Coaching

One recent survey in the previous year analyzed prices for 17 of the largest gym brands and found the typical monthly fee was around £38 per month, based on basic memberships.

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

Based on industry research, personal trainers determine their own fees, usually a range of thirty to sixty-five pounds per hour-long appointment in most areas and about £45-£65 in the capital.

Clients will often hire a coach one or two times a week and work with them for a short period, but these arrangements are often adaptable.

Dafydd Judd

The Essential Personal Touch

Personal trainer Dafydd Judd, based in Cardiff, said AI can be useful to speed up progress, but believes it will not supplant the personal interaction and accountability that live training offers.

The 37-year-old, who has over a decade of experience as a trainer, focuses on older adults and injury rehabilitation. He said a number of his clients also use AI.

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

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

Dafydd explained Artificial intelligence can educate users and make coaching more effective.

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

"As useful as it is at the middle of the night, a digital tool won't keep you accountable at 7am before work," he added.

In the view of many, he said, the gym is a space to disconnect from devices and take a break from technology.