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Leah Walsh

Following a holiday period packed with rich foods and relaxation, many people head into January looking to regain their fitness momentum.

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

Tailored Programs and Flexible Schedules

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

This young woman hailing from a town in Wales explained she liked the liberty to pose queries at all hours – something she believed was unavailable with a personal trainer.

She relied on an AI-powered running app that gave her personalised plans with voice guidance and pace setting for her first half marathon in recent years.

She said she asked it to design a regimen merging running and the weight training, and it generated an multi-week programme tailored to her event day and objectives.

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

The following year, she opted for a alternative application because it was more affordable and she could ask it questions at any time. Her result was a minute faster than her goal time.

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

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

A weightlifter

Remarkable Strength Gains

In a similar case, Another individual, in his twenties, from a Welsh city, has been using AI for his fitness and diet plans, and reported he has never felt stronger, increasing his bench press from a lower weight to a much heavier load.

He turned to a AI assistant for assistance after being unable to run a race.

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

The free tool 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 said.

The Expense Comparison: AI 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, based on basic memberships.

Fees ranged from a lower price at the most affordable provider to a premium rate at the highest-priced.

Based on further data, personal trainers set their own rates, usually a range of thirty to sixty-five pounds per 45-60 minute session in most areas and about £45-£65 in London.

Customers typically use a coach once or twice a week and work with them for a short period, but these agreements are completely flexible.

A personal trainer

The Irreplaceable Personal Touch

Fitness coach Dafydd Judd, from Cardiff, acknowledged AI can be useful to speed up progress, but is convinced 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 coach, specialises in senior clients and recovery from injuries. He mentioned some of his trainees also use AI.

"I think it's extremely useful, additional information is good," he said.

"I believe the more people are online the more they'll desire human connection because they crave the warmth from the understanding that is missing from a machine," he continued.

Dafydd explained AI can educate clients and make coaching more efficient.

However, he said real commitment comes when people show up physically for their sessions.

"As useful as it is at 2am, a digital tool won't keep you accountable at early morning before work," he added.

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