🔗 Share this article

Leah Walsh

Following a holiday period filled with indulgent treats and downtime, many people head into January looking to regain their fitness momentum.

But, could Artificial Intelligence be changing the fitness industry by providing an alternative to personal trainers?

Tailored Plans and Adaptable Schedules

One fitness enthusiast used an AI tool for last-minute training for the Cardiff Half Marathon.

The 21-year-old from a town in Wales explained she liked the freedom to ask it questions any time of day – something she believed was unavailable with a personal trainer.

Leah relied on an AI-driven fitness application that gave her personalised plans with voice guidance and speed targets for her first half marathon in recent years.

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

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

Subsequently, she opted for a different tool because it was cheaper and she could ask it questions whenever she wanted. Her result was a minute faster than her target finish.

She noted she wanted to avoid feeling pressure from a human personal trainer.

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

A weightlifter

Remarkable Strength Improvements

In a similar case, Another individual, 23, from a Welsh city, has been using artificial intelligence for his exercise and nutrition programs, and said he has achieved peak strength, boosting his bench press from 70kg to 110kg.

Richard turned to a bot for help after being unable to run a running event.

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

This no-cost application constructed a workout and diet plan personalized to his goals, and created structured routines.

"I train for about 120 minutes a day and I've seen a real difference," he added.

The Expense Comparison: AI vs. Traditional Coaching

A recent study in the previous year analyzed costs for numerous of the largest fitness chains and found the typical monthly fee was around £38 a month, based on basic memberships.

Prices ranged from a lower price at the most affordable provider to £132 at the most expensive.

According to industry research, 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 London.

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

Dafydd Judd

The Irreplaceable Human Touch

Personal trainer Dafydd Judd, based in Cardiff, acknowledged AI can be useful to accelerate results, but is convinced it will not supplant the human connection and responsibility that in-person coaching provides.

This expert, who has 12 years experience as a trainer, specialises in older adults and injury rehabilitation. He mentioned a number of his trainees also employ technology.

"In my opinion it's extremely useful, additional information is good," he stated.

"I believe the more people are online the more they'll want personal contact because they want the warmth from the understanding that is missing from a machine," he continued.

The trainer said Artificial intelligence can inform users and make coaching more efficient.

But, he said true dedication comes when people show up physically for their sessions.

"As useful as it is at 2am, a computer cannot ensure you show up at 7am before work," Dafydd added.

For many, he suggested, the gym is a place to leave phones behind and stop being glued to screens.