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A runner

Following a festive period filled with indulgent treats and downtime, numerous individuals enter the new year looking to get their fitness back on track.

But, could AI be transforming the fitness industry by providing an alternative to personal trainers?

Tailored Plans and Flexible Schedules

One fitness enthusiast used an artificial intelligence application for impromptu training for the a major running event.

This young woman hailing from Aberdare said she appreciated the liberty to ask it questions at all hours – a feature she believed was not possible with a traditional coach.

She relied on an AI-powered running app that provided her customized schedules with audio coaching and pace setting for her first half marathon in recent years.

She said she requested it to create a plan merging running and the weight training, and it produced an multi-week plan tailored to her event day and goals.

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

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

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

"With artificial intelligence you have to motivate yourself, which I actually prefer," she added.

Richard Gallimore

Remarkable Fitness Gains

In a similar case, Richard Gallimore, in his twenties, from Swansea, has been employing AI for his fitness and diet plans, and reported he has achieved peak strength, boosting his bench 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 had to get myself in shape," he said.

This no-cost application constructed a fitness and meal program personalized to his goals, and established organized workouts.

"I work out for about two hours a day and I've seen a real difference," he added.

The Cost Comparison: Technology vs. Traditional Coaching

A recent study in the previous year compared costs for numerous of the biggest gym brands and found the typical monthly fee was approximately forty pounds per month, based on basic full-access plans.

Prices started at a lower price at the most affordable chain to a premium rate at the highest-priced.

According to industry research, fitness coaches determine their own fees, usually £30-£65 per 45-60 minute appointment in most areas and about a similar range in London.

Customers will often use a coach one or two times a week and collaborate for a short period, but these agreements are completely flexible.

A personal trainer

The Essential Personal Touch

Fitness coach one experienced professional, based in Cardiff, said artificial intelligence can be useful to speed up progress, but is convinced it will never replace the personal interaction and responsibility that live training provides.

The 37-year-old, who has 12 years experience as a trainer, focuses on older adults and injury rehabilitation. He said some of his trainees also use AI.

"In my opinion it's extremely useful, additional information is good," he said.

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

The trainer said AI can inform clients and make coaching more effective.

However, he argued true dedication comes when people show up in person for training.

"No matter how helpful as it is at 2am, a computer cannot ensure you show up at early morning before work," Dafydd concluded.

For many, he suggested, the gym is a place to disconnect from devices and stop being glued to screens.