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Leah Walsh

Following a festive period filled with indulgent treats and relaxation, many people enter January aiming to get their fitness back on track.

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

Personalized Programs and Adaptable Schedules

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

This young woman hailing from Aberdare explained she liked the liberty to ask it questions any time of day – a feature she felt was unavailable with a traditional coach.

Leah used an AI-powered running app that provided her personalised plans with voice guidance and speed targets for her first long-distance race in recent years.

She explained she requested it to design a plan combining running and the gym, and it generated an 11-week plan customized to her race date and objectives.

The user then adjusted the plan to fit her lifestyle, which she described was convenient.

Subsequently, she chose a alternative application because it was cheaper and she could consult it at any time. She finished a full minute quicker than her target finish.

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

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

A weightlifter

Significant Fitness Improvements

Meanwhile, Another individual, in his twenties, from a Welsh city, has been using artificial intelligence for his fitness and diet plans, and said he has never felt stronger, increasing his chest press from 70kg to a much heavier load.

Richard resorted to a bot for assistance after being unable to run a race.

"I realized I had to sort myself out," he commented.

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

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

The Expense Contrast: AI vs. Traditional Training

A recent survey in the previous year analyzed prices for numerous of the biggest fitness chains and found the average membership cost was approximately forty pounds a month, for standard full-access plans.

Prices ranged from £23 at the most affordable provider to a premium rate at the most expensive.

According to industry research, fitness coaches set their own rates, typically a range of thirty to sixty-five pounds per 45-60 minute session in most areas and about a similar range in the capital.

Clients will often hire a coach once or twice a week and collaborate for a short period, however these arrangements are completely flexible.

Dafydd Judd

The Essential Personal Element

Personal trainer Dafydd Judd, based in the Welsh capital, said artificial intelligence can be beneficial to accelerate results, but believes it will never replace the human connection and accountability that in-person coaching offers.

The 37-year-old, who has over a decade of experience as a coach, specialises in senior clients and injury rehabilitation. He mentioned some of his trainees also use AI.

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

"I think the more people are connected digitally the more they'll want human connection because they want the empathy from the comprehension that is absent from a machine," he added.

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

But, he said 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," Dafydd concluded.

In the view of many, he said, the fitness center is a space to leave phones behind and stop being glued to screens.