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Leah Walsh

Following a festive period filled with rich foods and relaxation, many people head into the new year aiming to get their fitness back on track.

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

Personalized Programs and Flexible Timelines

Leah Walsh used an artificial intelligence application for impromptu training for the a major running event.

The 21-year-old hailing from a town in Wales explained she liked the freedom to pose queries at all hours – a feature she believed was not possible with a traditional coach.

Leah used an AI-driven running app that provided her customized schedules with voice guidance and pace setting for her inaugural half marathon in recent years.

She explained she requested it to create a plan combining running and the gym, and it produced an 11-week plan tailored to her event day and objectives.

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

Subsequently, she opted for a alternative application because it was more affordable and she could ask it questions at any time. Her result was a full minute quicker than her goal time.

She said she did not want feeling pressure from a human personal trainer.

"With artificial intelligence you have to motivate yourself, which I quite like," she added.

A weightlifter

Significant Strength Gains

In a similar case, Another individual, in his twenties, from Swansea, has been employing AI for his fitness and diet plans, and said he has achieved peak strength, boosting his chest press from 70kg to a much heavier load.

Richard resorted to a bot for assistance after being forced to walk a race.

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

The free tool constructed a fitness and meal program tailored to his aims, and created structured routines.

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

The Expense Contrast: AI vs. Traditional Training

One recent study in the previous year compared costs for 17 of the biggest gym brands and found the average membership cost was around £38 a month, for basic full-access plans.

Fees started at £23 at the most affordable provider to £132 at the highest-priced.

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

Customers typically use a trainer once or twice a week and collaborate for a short period, however these agreements are often adaptable.

Dafydd Judd

The Irreplaceable Personal Element

Personal trainer one experienced professional, from the Welsh capital, said artificial intelligence can be beneficial to accelerate results, but is convinced it will never replace the personal interaction and responsibility that in-person coaching provides.

The 37-year-old, who has over a decade of experience as a trainer, focuses on senior clients and recovery from injuries. He mentioned some of his trainees also use AI.

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

"I believe the more people are online the more they'll desire human connection because they want the warmth from the comprehension that is absent from a machine," he added.

Dafydd explained AI can inform users and make guidance more efficient.

But, he argued real commitment comes when people appear in person for their sessions.

"As useful as it is at the middle of the night, a computer won't keep you accountable at 7am before work," Dafydd added.

For many, he suggested, the fitness center is a space to leave phones behind and stop being glued to screens.