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Leah Walsh

After a holiday period filled with indulgent treats and relaxation, numerous individuals head into the new year aiming to regain their fitness momentum.

However, could AI be changing the fitness industry by providing an option to human coaches?

Personalized Programs and Flexible Schedules

Leah Walsh used an artificial intelligence application for impromptu preparation for the Cardiff Half Marathon.

The 21-year-old hailing from Aberdare explained she liked the freedom to pose queries any time of day – a feature she felt was unavailable with a personal trainer.

Leah used an AI-driven fitness application that provided her customized schedules with audio coaching and pace setting for her first half marathon in recent years.

She explained she asked it to create a plan combining running and the weight training, and it generated an 11-week plan customized to her event day and objectives.

The user then adjusted the plan to fit her lifestyle, which she said was highly practical.

The following year, she opted for a alternative application because it was cheaper and she could ask it questions at any time. Her result was a full minute quicker than her target finish.

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

"With artificial intelligence you have to motivate yourself, which I quite like," she remarked.

Richard Gallimore

Remarkable Strength Improvements

In a similar case, Another individual, in his twenties, from Swansea, has been using artificial intelligence for his fitness and diet plans, and reported he has achieved peak strength, increasing his chest press from a lower weight to a much heavier load.

Richard resorted to a AI assistant for assistance after being forced to walk a race.

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

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

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

The Cost Contrast: Technology vs. Traditional Training

A recent study in the previous year compared costs for numerous of the largest fitness chains and found the average membership cost was around £38 per month, based on standard full-access plans.

Fees started at £23 at the most affordable provider to £132 at the highest-priced.

According to industry research, fitness coaches set their own rates, usually £30-£65 per hour-long session outside London and about a similar range in the capital.

Customers typically hire a coach one or two times a week and work with them for a few months, however these agreements are often adaptable.

A personal trainer

The Essential Human Element

Personal trainer Dafydd Judd, based in the Welsh capital, acknowledged AI can be beneficial to speed up progress, but is convinced it will not supplant the human connection and accountability that live training offers.

The 37-year-old, who has 12 years experience as a coach, specialises in senior clients and recovery from injuries. He said some of his trainees also use AI.

"I think it's very valuable, additional information is good," he said.

"I think the more that people are connected digitally the more they'll want personal contact because they crave the empathy from the comprehension that is missing from a machine," he added.

Dafydd said AI can inform clients and make coaching more efficient.

But, he argued real commitment comes when people show up in person for training.

"No matter how helpful as it is at 2am, a computer won't keep you accountable at 7am before work," he concluded.

In the view of many, he suggested, the gym is a place to disconnect from devices and take a break from technology.