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Leah Walsh

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

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

Personalized Plans and Adaptable Schedules

One fitness enthusiast used an AI tool for last-minute preparation for the a major running event.

The 21-year-old from Aberdare explained she liked the liberty to ask it questions at all hours – something she felt was not possible with a personal trainer.

She relied on an AI-driven running app that gave her personalised plans with voice guidance and speed targets for her inaugural half marathon in recent years.

She explained she asked it to design a regimen merging running and the gym, and it generated an multi-week plan tailored to her event day and goals.

Leah then tweaked the plan to fit her daily routine, which she described was highly practical.

Subsequently, she opted for a different tool because it was cheaper and she could ask it questions at any time. Her result was a minute faster than her goal time.

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

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

A weightlifter

Significant Fitness Gains

In a similar case, Richard Gallimore, 23, based in a Welsh city, has been using AI for his exercise and nutrition programs, and said he has achieved peak strength, increasing his chest press from a lower weight to a much heavier load.

Richard resorted to a AI assistant for help after being forced to walk a running event.

"I realized I need to sort myself out," he commented.

This no-cost application built a workout and diet plan tailored 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. Conventional Coaching

A recent study in the previous year compared prices for numerous of the largest fitness chains and found the typical monthly fee was approximately forty pounds per month, based on standard memberships.

Fees ranged from a lower price at the most affordable provider to £132 at the most expensive.

According to further data, fitness coaches set their own rates, usually a range of thirty to sixty-five pounds per 45-60 minute appointment in most areas and about £45-£65 in the capital.

Clients typically use a coach once or twice a week and collaborate for a few months, but these arrangements are completely flexible.

A personal trainer

The Irreplaceable Human Touch

Fitness coach one experienced professional, based in the Welsh capital, said artificial intelligence can be beneficial to accelerate results, but believes it will not supplant the personal interaction and responsibility that live training offers.

The 37-year-old, who has over a decade of experience as a trainer, specialises in older adults and recovery from injuries. He said a number of his clients also employ technology.

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

"I think the more people are connected digitally the more they'll want human connection because they want the empathy from the comprehension that is absent from a machine," he added.

Dafydd said Artificial intelligence can educate clients and make coaching more effective.

However, he said real commitment comes when people show up physically for their sessions.

"As useful as it is at 2am, a digital tool cannot ensure you show up at 7am before work," he concluded.

In the view of many, he said, the fitness center is a space to disconnect from devices and stop being glued to screens.