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Leah Walsh

Following a holiday period filled with rich foods and relaxation, numerous individuals enter January aiming to regain their fitness momentum.

But, could AI be changing the fitness industry by offering an alternative to personal trainers?

Tailored Programs and Flexible Schedules

One fitness enthusiast used an AI tool for last-minute preparation for the Cardiff Half Marathon.

The 21-year-old hailing from Aberdare said she liked the freedom to pose queries at all hours – something she felt was not possible with a personal trainer.

Leah relied on an AI-powered fitness application that provided her personalised plans with audio coaching and pace setting for her inaugural half marathon in recent years.

She explained she requested it to design a plan combining running and the gym, and it produced an 11-week plan customized to her race date and objectives.

The user then tweaked the schedule to suit her lifestyle, which she described was highly practical.

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 said she wanted to avoid the pressure from a live instructor.

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

A weightlifter

Remarkable Strength Improvements

In a similar case, Another individual, in his twenties, based in Swansea, has been employing artificial intelligence for his fitness and diet plans, and said he has achieved peak strength, increasing his chest press from a lower weight to 110kg.

He resorted to a bot for help after being forced to walk a running event.

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

The free tool constructed a fitness and meal program tailored to his aims, and created organized workouts.

"I train for about two hours a day and I've seen a noticeable change," he added.

The Cost Contrast: Technology vs. Traditional Training

One recent survey in the previous year analyzed costs for numerous of the largest fitness chains and found the typical monthly fee was around £38 a month, for basic memberships.

Prices ranged from a lower price at the cheapest chain to a premium rate at the most expensive.

According to industry research, fitness coaches determine their own fees, typically £30-£65 per 45-60 minute appointment in most areas and about £45-£65 in London.

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

A personal trainer

The Essential Human Element

Personal trainer Dafydd Judd, from Cardiff, said AI can be useful to speed up progress, but is convinced it will never replace the human connection and accountability that in-person coaching offers.

This expert, who has 12 years experience as a trainer, specialises in older adults and recovery from injuries. He said some of his trainees also employ AI.

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

"I think the more people are connected digitally the more they'll desire personal contact because they want the empathy from the comprehension that is missing from a machine," he continued.

Dafydd said AI can inform clients and make guidance more efficient.

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

"No matter how helpful as it is at the middle of the night, a computer cannot ensure you show up at early morning before work," Dafydd added.

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