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Leah Walsh

After a holiday period packed with rich foods and downtime, many people enter the new year aiming to regain their fitness momentum.

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

Personalized Plans and Flexible Timelines

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

The 21-year-old hailing from a town in Wales explained she appreciated the liberty to pose queries at all hours – a feature she believed was unavailable with a personal trainer.

She relied on an AI-driven running app that gave her personalised plans with voice guidance and speed targets for her inaugural half marathon in recent years.

She explained she asked it to create a regimen combining running and the gym, and it produced an multi-week plan tailored to her event day and objectives.

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 more affordable and she could consult it at any time. She finished a full minute quicker than her goal time.

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

"Using artificial intelligence you have to find your own drive, which I actually prefer," she remarked.

Richard Gallimore

Significant Fitness Gains

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

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

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

This no-cost application built a workout and diet plan tailored to his aims, and created structured routines.

"I train for about 120 minutes a day and I've seen a noticeable change," he said.

The Expense Comparison: Technology vs. Traditional Training

A recent study in the previous year analyzed prices for 17 of the biggest gym brands and found the typical monthly fee was around £38 per month, based on basic memberships.

Fees started at a lower price at the most affordable provider to £132 at the most expensive.

Based on further data, fitness coaches set their own rates, usually a range of thirty to sixty-five pounds per 45-60 minute session outside London and about £45-£65 in London.

Clients will often use a trainer once or twice a week and collaborate for a few months, however these arrangements are completely flexible.

A personal trainer

The Essential Human Element

Fitness coach Dafydd Judd, based in Cardiff, said artificial intelligence can be useful to speed up progress, but believes it will never replace the human connection and accountability that live training provides.

This expert, who has 12 years experience as a trainer, specialises in older adults and injury rehabilitation. He said some of his clients also employ AI.

"I think it's very valuable, more knowledge is positive," he said.

"I believe the more that people are online the more they'll desire human connection because they crave the warmth from the understanding that is missing from a machine," he continued.

Dafydd explained AI can educate clients and make guidance more efficient.

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

"As useful as it is at the middle of the night, a computer won't keep you accountable at early morning before work," Dafydd concluded.

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