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Leah Walsh

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

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

Tailored Plans and Flexible Schedules

One fitness enthusiast used an artificial intelligence application for last-minute preparation for the Cardiff Half Marathon.

This young woman hailing from a town in Wales explained she appreciated the freedom to pose queries at all hours – something she believed was not possible with a personal trainer.

She relied on an AI-powered fitness application that provided her personalised plans with audio coaching and pace setting for her inaugural half marathon in recent years.

She said she requested it to create a regimen merging cardio and the gym, and it generated an multi-week plan customized to her event day and objectives.

The user then adjusted the plan to suit her daily routine, which she described was convenient.

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 full minute quicker than her goal time.

She noted she did not want feeling pressure from a live instructor.

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

A weightlifter

Remarkable Fitness Improvements

Meanwhile, Richard Gallimore, 23, from Swansea, has been using artificial intelligence for his exercise and nutrition programs, and reported he has never felt stronger, boosting his chest press from a lower weight to a much heavier load.

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

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

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

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

The Cost Contrast: Technology vs. Traditional Coaching

One recent study in the previous year compared prices for 17 of the largest gym brands and found the average membership cost was approximately forty pounds a month, based on basic memberships.

Prices ranged from a lower price at the most affordable provider to £132 at the highest-priced.

According to further data, fitness coaches set their own rates, typically a range of thirty to sixty-five pounds per hour-long appointment in most areas and about £45-£65 in the capital.

Clients typically use a trainer once or twice a week and work with them for a short period, but these agreements are often adaptable.

Dafydd Judd

The Essential Human Touch

Fitness coach Dafydd Judd, from Cardiff, said AI can be beneficial to speed up progress, but is convinced it will never replace the human connection and responsibility that in-person coaching offers.

This expert, who has 12 years experience as a coach, focuses on older adults and injury rehabilitation. He mentioned a number of his trainees also employ AI.

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

"I think the more people are online 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 said Artificial intelligence can inform clients and make guidance more efficient.

However, he argued real commitment 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 7am before work," he added.

For many, he said, the fitness center is a place to leave phones behind and stop being glued to screens.