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Leah Walsh

Following a holiday period packed with indulgent treats and relaxation, many people head into the new year looking to regain their fitness momentum.

However, is it possible that Artificial Intelligence be changing the fitness industry by offering an option to personal trainers?

Personalized Plans and Adaptable Timelines

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

This young woman hailing from a town in Wales explained she liked the liberty to pose queries at all hours – something she believed was not possible with a traditional coach.

She used an AI-driven running app that gave her personalised plans with voice guidance and speed targets for her inaugural long-distance race in 2024.

She explained she requested it to create a plan combining cardio and the weight training, and it generated an multi-week programme customized to her event day and objectives.

Leah then tweaked the plan to fit her lifestyle, which she said was convenient.

The following year, 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.

"Using artificial intelligence you have to motivate yourself, which I quite like," she added.

A weightlifter

Significant Fitness Gains

In a similar case, Richard Gallimore, 23, from a Welsh city, has been using AI for his fitness and diet plans, and said he has achieved peak strength, boosting his bench press from a lower weight to a much heavier load.

Richard resorted to a AI assistant for assistance after being unable to run a running event.

"I realized I need to sort myself out," he said.

The free tool built a workout and diet plan tailored 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 Expense Comparison: AI vs. Traditional Coaching

One recent survey in the previous year analyzed prices for 17 of the biggest gym brands and found the average membership cost was around £38 a month, based on standard full-access plans.

Fees ranged from a lower price at the cheapest provider to £132 at the highest-priced.

According to industry research, fitness coaches set their own rates, usually a range of thirty to sixty-five pounds per 45-60 minute appointment outside London and about £45-£65 in London.

Clients typically use a trainer once or twice a week and collaborate for a few months, however these agreements are completely flexible.

Dafydd Judd

The Irreplaceable Personal Touch

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

The 37-year-old, who has 12 years experience as a coach, specialises in older adults and recovery from injuries. He mentioned a number of his trainees also employ technology.

"I think it's extremely useful, more knowledge is positive," he said.

"I think the more people are online the more they'll want personal contact because they want the empathy from the understanding that is missing from a machine," he continued.

The trainer said Artificial intelligence can educate clients and make guidance more efficient.

However, he said true dedication comes when people show up physically for their sessions.

"As useful as it is at the middle of the night, a digital tool cannot ensure you show up at 7am before work," Dafydd added.

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