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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 regain their fitness momentum.

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

Tailored Programs and Flexible Schedules

Leah Walsh used an AI tool for impromptu training for the Cardiff Half Marathon.

This young woman hailing from a town in Wales said she appreciated the liberty to pose queries any time of day – a feature she believed was unavailable with a traditional coach.

She relied on an AI-powered fitness application that provided her customized schedules with voice guidance and speed targets for her inaugural half marathon in recent years.

She explained she asked it to design a plan merging cardio 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 daily routine, which she described was convenient.

Subsequently, she opted for a alternative application because it was more affordable and she could consult it whenever she wanted. She finished a minute faster than her target finish.

She noted she did not want the pressure from a human personal trainer.

"With artificial intelligence you have to motivate yourself, which I actually prefer," she remarked.

Richard Gallimore

Significant Fitness Gains

Meanwhile, Another individual, in his twenties, from a Welsh city, has been employing AI for his exercise and nutrition programs, and said he has achieved peak strength, boosting his chest press from a lower weight to a much heavier load.

He turned to a AI assistant for help after being unable to run a running event.

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

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

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

The Cost Contrast: Technology vs. Conventional Training

A recent survey in the previous year analyzed costs for numerous of the biggest gym brands and found the average membership cost was around £38 per month, for basic memberships.

Prices ranged from £23 at the most affordable provider to £132 at the most expensive.

According to industry research, fitness coaches determine their own fees, typically £30-£65 per hour-long session in most areas and about £45-£65 in London.

Clients typically hire a coach once or twice a week and collaborate for a few months, but these arrangements are completely flexible.

Dafydd Judd

The Irreplaceable Personal Touch

Personal trainer one experienced professional, based in Cardiff, said artificial intelligence can be beneficial to speed up progress, but is convinced it will never replace the human connection and responsibility that in-person coaching offers.

This expert, who has 12 years experience as a coach, focuses on older adults and recovery from injuries. He mentioned a number of his trainees also employ technology.

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

"I think the more people are connected digitally the more they'll desire personal contact because they want the warmth from the understanding that is missing from a machine," he added.

Dafydd said Artificial intelligence can inform users and make coaching more efficient.

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

"No matter how helpful as it is at the middle of the night, a computer won't keep you accountable at 7am before work," he added.

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