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A runner

Following a holiday period filled with rich foods and downtime, many people enter the new year looking to regain their fitness momentum.

However, is it possible that AI be transforming the fitness industry by providing an option to personal trainers?

Tailored 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 Aberdare said she appreciated the liberty to ask it questions at all hours – a feature she felt was unavailable with a personal trainer.

Leah used an AI-driven fitness application that gave her personalised plans with voice guidance and pace setting for her inaugural half marathon in 2024.

She said she asked it to design a regimen merging running and the weight training, and it produced an 11-week programme tailored to her event day and goals.

The user then tweaked the schedule to fit her lifestyle, which she said was convenient.

The following year, she opted for a alternative application because it was cheaper and she could ask it questions whenever she wanted. Her result was a minute faster than her goal time.

She noted she wanted to avoid feeling pressure from a live instructor.

"Using AI you have to find your own drive, which I quite like," she added.

A weightlifter

Significant Strength Gains

In a similar case, Another individual, in his twenties, based in Swansea, has been employing AI for his exercise and nutrition programs, and said he has never felt stronger, increasing his bench press from 70kg to 110kg.

He resorted to a bot for help after being unable to run a running event.

"I just knew I had to get myself in shape," he commented.

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

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

The Cost Comparison: Technology vs. Conventional Coaching

A recent study in the previous year analyzed prices for 17 of the largest fitness chains and found the average membership cost was approximately forty pounds per month, based on basic memberships.

Fees started at £23 at the most affordable provider to a premium rate at the most expensive.

Based on further data, fitness coaches 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 the capital.

Clients typically hire a coach one or two times a week and collaborate for a few months, but these agreements are often adaptable.

Dafydd Judd

The Irreplaceable 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.

The 37-year-old, who has 12 years experience as a coach, specialises in senior clients and injury rehabilitation. He said a number of his trainees also employ AI.

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

"I think the more people are connected digitally the more they'll want personal contact because they want the warmth from the understanding that is absent from a machine," he added.

The trainer explained Artificial intelligence can inform users and make guidance more effective.

However, he argued real commitment comes when people appear in person for their sessions.

"No matter how helpful as it is at 2am, a digital tool cannot ensure you show up at early morning before work," he added.

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