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Leah Walsh

Following a holiday period filled with indulgent treats and downtime, numerous individuals enter the new year aiming to regain their fitness momentum.

But, is it possible that Artificial Intelligence be changing the fitness industry by providing an option to personal trainers?

Personalized Plans and Flexible Timelines

One fitness enthusiast used an artificial intelligence application for impromptu training for the Cardiff Half Marathon.

This young woman hailing from a town in Wales explained she appreciated the freedom to pose queries any time of day – a feature she believed was unavailable with a personal trainer.

Leah relied on an AI-powered running app that gave her customized schedules with voice guidance and pace setting for her inaugural long-distance race in 2024.

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

Leah then adjusted the schedule to fit her lifestyle, which she said was convenient.

Subsequently, she chose a alternative application because it was cheaper and she could ask it questions at any time. She finished a minute faster than her target finish.

She said she wanted to avoid feeling pressure from a live instructor.

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

A weightlifter

Remarkable Fitness Improvements

In a similar case, Richard Gallimore, 23, based in a Welsh city, has been using artificial intelligence for his fitness and diet plans, and reported he has never felt stronger, boosting his chest press from a lower weight to 110kg.

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

"I just knew I need to sort myself out," he commented.

This no-cost application built a fitness and meal program tailored to his aims, and created organized workouts.

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

The Expense Comparison: Technology vs. Traditional Coaching

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 a month, based on standard memberships.

Fees ranged from £23 at the cheapest chain to a premium rate at the most expensive.

According to further data, fitness coaches set their own rates, typically £30-£65 per hour-long session outside London and about a similar range in London.

Customers typically hire a trainer once or twice a week and collaborate for a few months, but these arrangements are often adaptable.

A personal trainer

The Essential Human Element

Personal trainer Dafydd Judd, based in Cardiff, said AI can be beneficial to accelerate results, but believes it will not supplant the personal interaction and accountability that in-person coaching offers.

The 37-year-old, who has over a decade of experience as a trainer, focuses on senior clients and injury rehabilitation. He said some of his clients also employ AI.

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

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

Dafydd said AI can educate clients and make coaching more effective.

But, he argued true dedication comes when people appear physically for training.

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

In the view of many, he suggested, the fitness center is a space to leave phones behind and take a break from technology.