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A runner

After a festive period filled with indulgent treats and downtime, numerous individuals head into the new year looking to regain their fitness momentum.

However, could AI be transforming the fitness industry by providing an option to human coaches?

Personalized Plans and Flexible Timelines

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

The 21-year-old from a town in Wales explained she appreciated the freedom to ask it questions any time of day – a feature she felt was not possible with a personal trainer.

Leah relied on an AI-driven running app that gave her personalised plans with voice guidance and speed targets for her first long-distance race in 2024.

She explained she requested it to design a plan merging cardio and the gym, and it generated an 11-week programme customized to her event day and objectives.

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

Subsequently, she chose a different tool because it was more affordable and she could consult it whenever she wanted. She finished a minute faster than her goal time.

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

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

Richard Gallimore

Remarkable Fitness Gains

In a similar case, Richard Gallimore, 23, based in Swansea, has been using artificial intelligence for his exercise and nutrition programs, and reported he has never felt stronger, boosting his chest press from 70kg to 110kg.

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

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

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

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

The Expense Contrast: Technology vs. Traditional Coaching

A recent study in the previous year compared prices for numerous of the largest gym brands and found the typical monthly fee was approximately forty pounds per month, for basic full-access plans.

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

Based on industry research, personal trainers set their own rates, typically £30-£65 per hour-long appointment in most areas and about a similar range in London.

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

A personal trainer

The Irreplaceable Human Element

Personal trainer one experienced professional, based in Cardiff, said AI can be beneficial to accelerate results, but believes it will never replace the human connection and accountability that in-person coaching offers.

The 37-year-old, who has over a decade of experience as a coach, specialises in senior clients and injury rehabilitation. He said some of his trainees also employ AI.

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

"I believe the more people are connected digitally the more they'll desire human connection because they crave the empathy from the understanding that is absent from a computer," he continued.

The trainer explained Artificial intelligence can educate users and make coaching more efficient.

However, he said true dedication comes when people appear physically for training.

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

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