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Leah Walsh

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 Artificial Intelligence be transforming the fitness industry by offering an alternative to human coaches?

Tailored Plans and Adaptable Timelines

One fitness enthusiast used an AI tool for impromptu training for the Cardiff Half Marathon.

This young woman hailing from a town in Wales said she liked the freedom to ask it questions any time of day – something she felt was unavailable with a traditional coach.

She relied on an AI-driven fitness application that gave her customized schedules with voice guidance and pace setting for her inaugural half marathon in 2024.

She said she requested it to design a plan combining cardio and the gym, and it produced an multi-week plan tailored to her race date and goals.

Leah then tweaked the schedule to fit her daily routine, 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 noted she did not want the pressure from a live instructor.

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

Richard Gallimore

Remarkable Fitness Gains

Meanwhile, Another individual, in his twenties, based in a Welsh city, has been employing AI for his fitness and diet plans, and said he has achieved peak strength, increasing his chest press from 70kg to a much heavier load.

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

"I just knew I had to sort myself out," he said.

The free tool built a fitness and meal program tailored to his aims, 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. Conventional Training

One recent survey in the previous year analyzed prices for 17 of the biggest gym brands and found the average membership cost was around £38 per month, based on basic memberships.

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

According to further data, personal trainers set their own rates, usually a range of thirty to sixty-five pounds per hour-long session outside London and about a similar range in London.

Clients will often use a trainer one or two times a week and work with them for a short period, however these agreements are often adaptable.

A personal trainer

The Essential Human Element

Personal trainer one experienced professional, based in Cardiff, acknowledged AI can be beneficial to accelerate results, but believes it will never replace the human connection and accountability that in-person coaching offers.

This expert, who has 12 years experience as a coach, focuses on senior clients and recovery from injuries. He said a number of his trainees also employ AI.

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

"I believe the more that people are online the more they'll want human connection because they want the empathy from the understanding that is missing from a computer," he continued.

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

But, he said real commitment comes when people show up in person for their sessions.

"As useful as it is at the middle of the night, a computer cannot ensure you show up at early morning 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.