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Leah Walsh

Following a festive period filled with rich foods and downtime, numerous individuals enter January aiming to get their fitness back on track.

However, could AI be transforming the fitness industry by offering an alternative to human coaches?

Tailored Programs and Flexible Schedules

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

This young woman hailing from a town in Wales said she liked the freedom to pose queries any time of day – a feature she felt was unavailable with a personal trainer.

She used an AI-powered running app that gave her personalised plans with voice guidance and pace setting for her inaugural long-distance race in recent years.

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

The user then adjusted the plan to suit her lifestyle, which she said was convenient.

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

She said she wanted to avoid feeling pressure from a human personal trainer.

"Using AI you have to motivate yourself, which I actually prefer," she added.

A weightlifter

Remarkable Fitness Gains

In a similar case, Richard Gallimore, in his twenties, based in Swansea, has been employing AI for his exercise and nutrition programs, and reported he has achieved peak strength, boosting his chest press from 70kg to a much heavier load.

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

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

This no-cost application constructed a fitness and meal program tailored to his aims, and established structured routines.

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

The Expense Comparison: AI vs. Conventional Training

A recent study in the previous year analyzed costs for numerous of the biggest gym brands and found the average membership cost was around £38 a month, based on standard full-access plans.

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

According to further data, fitness coaches determine their own fees, usually £30-£65 per 45-60 minute appointment outside London and about £45-£65 in the capital.

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

A personal trainer

The Essential Personal Touch

Fitness coach one experienced professional, based in the Welsh capital, said AI can be beneficial to speed up progress, but is convinced it will never replace the human connection and responsibility that in-person coaching offers.

The 37-year-old, who has 12 years experience as a coach, specialises in older adults and recovery from injuries. He said some of his clients also employ AI.

"In my opinion it's very valuable, additional information is good," he said.

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

Dafydd explained Artificial intelligence can inform clients and make coaching more efficient.

But, he argued true dedication comes when people show up in person for training.

"As useful as it is at the middle of the night, a computer won't keep you accountable at early morning before work," he concluded.

For many, he said, the gym is a place to leave phones behind and stop being glued to screens.