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Leah Walsh

After a festive period packed with rich foods and downtime, numerous individuals head into the new year aiming to get their fitness back on track.

However, could AI be changing the fitness industry by offering an alternative to human coaches?

Personalized Programs and Adaptable Timelines

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

The 21-year-old from a town in Wales said she liked the freedom to pose queries any time of day – a feature she felt was not possible with a traditional coach.

She relied on an AI-powered running app that gave her personalised plans with audio coaching and pace setting for her inaugural long-distance race in 2024.

She explained she asked it to design a regimen merging cardio and the weight training, and it generated an multi-week plan tailored to her race date and objectives.

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

The following year, she opted for a alternative application because it was more affordable and she could ask it questions whenever she wanted. Her result was a minute faster than her target finish.

She noted she did not want feeling pressure from a human personal trainer.

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

A weightlifter

Significant Fitness Improvements

In a similar case, Another individual, in his twenties, based in a Welsh city, has been employing artificial intelligence for his fitness and diet plans, and reported he has achieved peak strength, increasing his chest press from 70kg to 110kg.

He turned to a bot for help after being forced to walk a running event.

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

The free tool built a fitness and meal program personalized to his goals, and established structured routines.

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

The Expense Comparison: AI vs. Conventional Training

One recent survey in the previous year compared costs for 17 of the largest fitness chains and found the average membership cost was around £38 per month, based on basic full-access plans.

Prices ranged from £23 at the most affordable chain to £132 at the most expensive.

Based on further data, fitness coaches determine their own fees, usually a range of thirty to sixty-five pounds per 45-60 minute appointment in most areas and about £45-£65 in London.

Customers typically use a trainer once or twice a week and collaborate for a short period, however these arrangements are completely flexible.

Dafydd Judd

The Irreplaceable Personal Element

Fitness coach one experienced professional, from the Welsh capital, acknowledged AI can be useful to speed up progress, but is convinced it will never replace the human connection and responsibility that live training offers.

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

"In my opinion it's very valuable, additional information is good," he said.

"I think the more people are connected digitally the more they'll desire human connection because they crave the empathy from the understanding that is missing from a machine," he added.

Dafydd said AI can educate users and make guidance more effective.

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

"No matter how helpful as it is at 2am, a computer won't keep you accountable at early morning before work," Dafydd added.

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