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Leah Walsh

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

But, could Artificial Intelligence be transforming the fitness industry by offering an alternative to personal trainers?

Tailored Plans and Adaptable Timelines

One fitness enthusiast employed an AI tool for last-minute preparation for the a major running event.

The 21-year-old hailing from Aberdare said she appreciated the freedom to ask it questions any time of day – something she felt was unavailable with a personal trainer.

Leah relied on an AI-driven fitness application that gave her customized schedules with voice guidance and pace setting for her first half marathon in recent years.

She explained she asked it to design a regimen combining running and the gym, and it produced an 11-week programme tailored to her event day and objectives.

Leah then tweaked the schedule to suit her daily routine, which she described was highly practical.

Subsequently, she opted for a alternative application because it was cheaper and she could consult it whenever she wanted. Her result was a minute faster than her goal time.

She said she did not want the pressure from a live instructor.

"With AI you have to motivate yourself, which I quite like," she added.

Richard Gallimore

Significant Fitness Gains

Meanwhile, Another individual, in his twenties, from Swansea, has been employing AI for his fitness and diet plans, and reported he has never felt stronger, increasing his chest press from 70kg to a much heavier load.

He resorted to a AI assistant for assistance after being unable to run a race.

"I just knew I had to sort myself out," he commented.

The free tool constructed a workout and diet plan personalized to his goals, and established organized workouts.

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

The Cost Comparison: Technology vs. Traditional Coaching

One recent study in the previous year analyzed prices for numerous of the largest fitness chains and found the average membership cost was around £38 a month, based on basic memberships.

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

According to further data, fitness coaches set their own rates, typically £30-£65 per 45-60 minute appointment outside London and about £45-£65 in London.

Clients typically hire a trainer once or twice a week and collaborate for a short period, however these agreements are often adaptable.

Dafydd Judd

The Essential Human Element

Personal trainer Dafydd Judd, from the Welsh capital, acknowledged AI can be useful to accelerate results, but believes it will never replace the human connection and responsibility that live training provides.

This expert, who has over a decade of experience as a coach, focuses on older adults and injury rehabilitation. He mentioned a number of his trainees also use technology.

"In my opinion it's very valuable, more knowledge is good," he stated.

"I think the more people are online the more they'll want personal contact because they want the warmth from the comprehension that is missing from a computer," he added.

Dafydd explained AI can inform users and make guidance more effective.

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

"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," he added.

In the view of many, he suggested, the fitness center is a place to leave phones behind and take a break from technology.