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Leah Walsh

After a festive period packed with rich foods and relaxation, numerous individuals enter the new year looking to regain their fitness momentum.

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

Tailored Programs and Flexible Schedules

Leah Walsh used an artificial intelligence application for last-minute training for the Cardiff Half Marathon.

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

She relied on an AI-driven fitness application that provided her personalised plans with audio coaching and speed targets for her first long-distance race in 2024.

She explained she asked it to design a plan combining running and the gym, and it generated an multi-week programme tailored to her race date and goals.

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

The following year, she opted for a alternative application because it was more affordable and she could ask it questions whenever she wanted. Her result was a minute faster than her goal time.

She noted she did not want the pressure from a human personal trainer.

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

A weightlifter

Remarkable Fitness Gains

In a similar case, Richard Gallimore, in his twenties, from a Welsh city, has been using AI for his exercise and nutrition programs, and said he has never felt stronger, increasing his bench press from 70kg to 110kg.

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

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

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 Expense Comparison: AI vs. Conventional Training

One recent study in the previous year compared costs for 17 of the biggest gym brands and found the average membership cost was approximately forty pounds a month, based on standard full-access plans.

Fees ranged from £23 at the cheapest provider to £132 at the most expensive.

Based on further data, fitness coaches set their own rates, usually £30-£65 per 45-60 minute session in most areas and about £45-£65 in London.

Customers typically hire a trainer once or twice a week and work with them for a few months, however these agreements are often adaptable.

A personal trainer

The Irreplaceable Personal Touch

Personal trainer one experienced professional, based in the Welsh capital, acknowledged AI can be beneficial to speed up progress, but is convinced it will never replace the personal interaction and responsibility that live training provides.

This expert, who has 12 years experience as a trainer, focuses on older adults and injury rehabilitation. He said some of his trainees also employ AI.

"In my opinion it's very valuable, more knowledge is positive," he said.

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

The trainer said AI can inform clients and make coaching more effective.

However, he said true dedication comes when people show up physically for training.

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

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