🔗 Share this article

Leah Walsh

After a festive period packed with indulgent treats and relaxation, many people head into January looking to regain their fitness momentum.

But, is it possible that AI be transforming the fitness industry by providing an option to human coaches?

Personalized Plans and Flexible Schedules

One fitness enthusiast employed an artificial intelligence application for impromptu preparation for the Cardiff Half Marathon.

This young woman hailing from Aberdare said she appreciated the freedom to pose queries any time of day – something she felt was not possible with a personal trainer.

She used an AI-driven fitness application that provided her customized schedules with audio coaching and speed targets for her inaugural half marathon in recent years.

She explained she requested it to create a plan merging running and the weight training, and it generated an 11-week programme tailored to her event day and goals.

Leah then adjusted the schedule to fit her lifestyle, which she said was highly practical.

The following year, she chose a different tool 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 live instructor.

"With artificial intelligence you have to motivate yourself, which I quite like," she added.

Richard Gallimore

Significant Fitness Improvements

Meanwhile, Another individual, 23, from a Welsh city, has been using AI for his exercise and nutrition programs, and said he has achieved peak strength, increasing his bench press from 70kg to a much heavier load.

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

"I just knew I need to sort myself out," he commented.

The free tool constructed a workout and diet plan tailored to his aims, and created organized workouts.

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

The Cost Contrast: AI vs. Traditional Training

One recent survey in the previous year analyzed costs for numerous of the biggest fitness chains and found the typical monthly fee was approximately forty pounds a month, for standard full-access plans.

Prices ranged from a lower price at the cheapest provider to £132 at the most expensive.

According to industry research, personal trainers determine their own fees, usually a range of thirty to sixty-five pounds per 45-60 minute session outside London and about £45-£65 in the capital.

Customers typically hire a trainer once or twice a week and collaborate for a short period, however these arrangements are completely flexible.

A personal trainer

The Essential Personal Element

Personal trainer Dafydd Judd, from Cardiff, said artificial intelligence can be beneficial to accelerate results, but is convinced it will not supplant the personal interaction and responsibility that in-person coaching offers.

The 37-year-old, who has over a decade of experience as a coach, specialises in senior clients and injury rehabilitation. He mentioned a number of his trainees also employ AI.

"In my opinion it's very valuable, more knowledge is good," he stated.

"I believe 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 continued.

Dafydd said AI can educate clients and make coaching more efficient.

But, he argued true dedication comes when people appear physically for training.

"As useful as it is at 2am, a digital tool won't keep you accountable at early morning before work," he added.

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