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A runner

After a festive period filled with rich foods and relaxation, many people enter the new year looking to get their fitness back on track.

However, is it possible that Artificial Intelligence be transforming the fitness industry by offering an option to human coaches?

Personalized Programs and Flexible Timelines

Leah Walsh used an AI tool for last-minute preparation for the Cardiff Half Marathon.

This young woman from a town in Wales explained she appreciated the freedom to pose queries any time of day – a feature she believed was not possible with a personal trainer.

She relied on an AI-powered running app that gave her customized schedules with audio coaching and speed targets for her inaugural half marathon in recent years.

She explained she requested it to create a plan combining running and the weight training, and it produced an multi-week plan customized to her race date and objectives.

The user then tweaked the plan to fit her lifestyle, which she said was highly practical.

Subsequently, she opted for a alternative application because it was cheaper and she could ask it questions whenever she wanted. She finished a full minute quicker than her goal time.

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

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

Richard Gallimore

Significant Fitness Improvements

In a similar case, Richard Gallimore, in his twenties, from Swansea, has been using artificial intelligence for his exercise and nutrition programs, and reported he has never felt stronger, boosting his bench press from a lower weight to a much heavier load.

Richard turned to a AI assistant for assistance after being unable to run a race.

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

The free tool built a workout and diet plan tailored to his goals, and established structured routines.

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

The Cost Comparison: Technology vs. Conventional Coaching

One recent survey in the previous year compared prices for numerous of the largest gym brands and found the typical monthly fee was around £38 per month, based on basic full-access plans.

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

Based on industry research, personal trainers determine their own fees, typically a range of thirty to sixty-five pounds per 45-60 minute appointment in most areas and about £45-£65 in London.

Customers will often use a trainer one or two times a week and work with them for a short period, but these arrangements are completely flexible.

Dafydd Judd

The Essential Human Element

Fitness coach Dafydd Judd, based in Cardiff, acknowledged artificial intelligence can be beneficial to speed up progress, but is convinced it will not supplant the personal interaction and responsibility that live training offers.

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

"I think it's very valuable, additional information is positive," he said.

"I believe the more people are online the more they'll desire personal contact because they crave the warmth from the comprehension that is missing from a computer," he continued.

The trainer explained AI can educate clients and make coaching more efficient.

But, he said real commitment comes when people appear physically for training.

"As useful as it is at the middle of the night, a computer cannot ensure you show up at 7am before work," he concluded.

In the view of many, he suggested, the fitness center is a place to disconnect from devices and stop being glued to screens.