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Leah Walsh

After a festive period filled with rich foods and downtime, many people head into January looking to get their fitness back on track.

However, could AI be changing the fitness industry by providing an option to human coaches?

Personalized Programs and Flexible Schedules

Leah Walsh employed an AI tool for impromptu training for the a major running event.

This young woman hailing from Aberdare said she liked the liberty to ask it questions at all hours – something she felt was unavailable with a personal trainer.

Leah relied on an AI-powered running app that provided her personalised plans with audio coaching and pace setting for her inaugural half marathon in 2024.

She said she requested it to design a plan merging running and the gym, and it generated an multi-week plan tailored to her race date and objectives.

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

Subsequently, she opted for a alternative application because it was more affordable and she could ask it questions whenever she wanted. She finished a minute faster than her target finish.

She said she wanted to avoid feeling pressure from a live instructor.

"With AI you have to find your own drive, which I actually prefer," she added.

A weightlifter

Significant Strength Improvements

Meanwhile, Richard Gallimore, in his twenties, based in Swansea, has been using AI for his fitness and diet plans, and reported he has never felt stronger, boosting his chest press from 70kg to 110kg.

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

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

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

"I train for about 120 minutes a day and I've seen a noticeable change," he said.

The Expense Contrast: Technology vs. Traditional Coaching

One recent study in the previous year analyzed costs for 17 of the biggest gym brands and found the typical monthly fee was approximately forty pounds per month, for standard full-access plans.

Prices ranged from £23 at the most affordable chain to £132 at the highest-priced.

Based on industry research, fitness coaches determine their own fees, typically £30-£65 per hour-long session outside London and about a similar range in the capital.

Customers will often use a trainer one or two times a week and collaborate for a few months, however these arrangements are completely flexible.

Dafydd Judd

The Essential Personal Element

Personal trainer one experienced professional, based in the Welsh capital, said artificial intelligence can be beneficial to speed up progress, but believes it will never replace the human connection and responsibility that live training provides.

This expert, who has 12 years experience as a coach, focuses on older adults and injury rehabilitation. He mentioned some of his clients also use AI.

"I think it's extremely useful, additional information is good," he said.

"I believe the more that people are connected digitally the more they'll desire personal contact because they want the warmth from the understanding that is missing from a computer," he added.

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

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

"No matter how helpful as it is at the middle of the night, a computer cannot ensure you show up at 7am before work," he concluded.

For many, he suggested, the fitness center is a place to disconnect from devices and take a break from technology.