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A runner

Following a festive period packed with rich foods and relaxation, numerous individuals head into January looking to get their fitness back on track.

However, is it possible that AI be changing the fitness industry by offering an alternative to human coaches?

Tailored Programs and Flexible Timelines

One fitness enthusiast used an artificial intelligence application for last-minute preparation for the Cardiff Half Marathon.

This young woman from a town in Wales said she appreciated the liberty to ask it questions at all hours – a feature she felt was unavailable with a personal trainer.

Leah used an AI-driven running app that gave her customized schedules with voice guidance and speed targets for her first long-distance race in 2024.

She said she requested it to create a plan merging cardio and the gym, and it generated an 11-week plan tailored to her event day and goals.

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

Subsequently, she opted for a different tool because it was more affordable and she could ask it questions whenever she wanted. Her result was a full minute quicker than her goal time.

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

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

Richard Gallimore

Remarkable Strength Improvements

Meanwhile, Another individual, in his twenties, based in a Welsh city, has been using artificial intelligence for his fitness and diet plans, and reported he has never felt stronger, boosting his bench press from a lower weight to 110kg.

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

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

The free tool built a fitness and meal program personalized to his aims, and established organized workouts.

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

The Expense Comparison: Technology vs. Conventional Coaching

One recent study in the previous year compared prices for numerous of the biggest fitness chains and found the average membership cost was approximately forty pounds a month, based on basic memberships.

Fees started at a lower price at the cheapest chain to £132 at the most expensive.

According to further data, personal trainers set their own rates, usually a range of thirty to sixty-five pounds per 45-60 minute appointment outside London and about a similar range in the capital.

Clients will often hire a coach once or twice a week and work with them for a few months, however these agreements are completely flexible.

A personal trainer

The Essential Human Element

Fitness coach Dafydd Judd, based in Cardiff, acknowledged AI can be beneficial to speed up progress, but believes it will never replace the human connection and accountability that in-person coaching provides.

This expert, who has over a decade of experience as a trainer, specialises in senior clients and recovery from injuries. He said some of his trainees also use AI.

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

"I think the more people are online the more they'll desire human connection because they crave the empathy from the comprehension that is missing from a computer," he added.

Dafydd explained Artificial intelligence can educate users and make guidance more effective.

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 digital tool won't keep you accountable at early morning before work," he added.

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