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Leah Walsh

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

However, could AI be changing the fitness industry by providing an alternative to human coaches?

Personalized Plans and Flexible Schedules

Leah Walsh employed an artificial intelligence application for impromptu training for the a major running event.

This young woman hailing from Aberdare explained she liked the liberty to pose queries any time of day – something she believed was not possible with a traditional coach.

She relied on an AI-powered fitness application that gave her customized schedules with audio coaching and pace setting for her first long-distance race in recent years.

She said she requested it to create a plan merging cardio and the weight training, and it produced an multi-week programme tailored to her race date and objectives.

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

Subsequently, she chose a alternative application because it was cheaper and she could consult it whenever she wanted. She finished a minute faster than her goal time.

She said she wanted to avoid feeling pressure from a live instructor.

"Using AI you have to find your own drive, which I actually prefer," she added.

Richard Gallimore

Significant Strength Gains

In a similar case, Another individual, 23, from Swansea, has been using artificial intelligence for his exercise and nutrition programs, and said he has never felt stronger, boosting his bench press from a lower weight to 110kg.

Richard resorted to a AI assistant for help after being unable to run a running event.

"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 structured routines.

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

The Cost Contrast: Technology vs. Conventional Coaching

A recent survey in the previous year analyzed prices for 17 of the biggest fitness chains and found the average membership cost was approximately forty pounds a month, based on standard full-access plans.

Fees started at a lower price at the most affordable chain to a premium rate at the highest-priced.

Based on industry research, personal trainers set their own rates, usually £30-£65 per hour-long session outside London and about £45-£65 in London.

Clients will often use a trainer one or two times a week and collaborate for a few months, however these agreements are often adaptable.

A personal trainer

The Irreplaceable Human Touch

Fitness coach Dafydd Judd, from Cardiff, said AI can be useful to speed up progress, but is convinced it will not supplant the human connection and responsibility that live training offers.

The 37-year-old, who has 12 years experience as a trainer, focuses on senior clients and injury rehabilitation. He said a number of his trainees also use AI.

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

"I think the more people are online the more they'll want personal contact because they want the warmth from the comprehension that is absent from a machine," he added.

Dafydd explained AI can inform clients and make coaching more effective.

But, he said real commitment comes when people appear in person for their sessions.

"No matter how helpful as it is at 2am, a digital tool won't keep you accountable at 7am before work," Dafydd added.

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