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Leah Walsh

After a festive period filled with rich foods and relaxation, many people enter the new year looking to get their fitness back on track.

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

Tailored Programs and Flexible Timelines

Leah Walsh employed an artificial intelligence application for last-minute preparation for the Cardiff Half Marathon.

This young woman from a town in Wales said she liked the liberty to ask it questions at all hours – something she felt was unavailable with a personal trainer.

Leah relied on an AI-driven running app that provided her customized schedules with voice guidance and speed targets for her inaugural half marathon in recent years.

She said she asked it to create a plan merging running and the weight training, and it produced an multi-week programme tailored to her event day and goals.

Leah then tweaked the plan to suit her lifestyle, which she said was highly practical.

The following year, she chose a alternative application because it was cheaper and she could consult it at any time. She finished a full minute quicker than her goal time.

She noted she wanted to avoid the pressure from a live instructor.

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

A weightlifter

Significant Strength Improvements

In a similar case, Another individual, in his twenties, from Swansea, has been employing artificial intelligence for his fitness and diet plans, and said he has never felt stronger, boosting his chest press from a lower weight to a much heavier load.

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

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

This no-cost application constructed a fitness and meal program personalized to his goals, and created organized workouts.

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

The Expense Comparison: AI vs. Traditional Training

One recent study in the previous year analyzed costs for 17 of the largest gym brands and found the typical monthly fee was around £38 a month, based on basic memberships.

Fees started at £23 at the cheapest chain to £132 at the most expensive.

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

Customers will often use a coach one or two times a week and work with them for a short period, but these arrangements are completely flexible.

Dafydd Judd

The Essential Human Element

Personal trainer one experienced professional, from Cardiff, said artificial intelligence can be useful to speed up progress, but believes it will never replace the human connection and responsibility that live training offers.

The 37-year-old, who has over a decade of experience as a coach, specialises in older adults and recovery from injuries. He said a number of his clients also use AI.

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

"I think the more that people are connected digitally the more they'll want human connection because they crave the empathy from the comprehension that is missing from a machine," he continued.

The trainer explained AI can inform users and make guidance more effective.

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

"As useful as it is at the middle of the night, a digital tool cannot ensure you show up at early morning before work," Dafydd added.

For many, he said, the fitness center is a place to disconnect from devices and take a break from technology.