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Leah Walsh

Following a holiday period filled with indulgent treats and downtime, many people head into the new year aiming to get their fitness back on track.

However, is it possible that AI be transforming the fitness industry by providing an alternative to human coaches?

Personalized Plans and Flexible Timelines

One fitness enthusiast used an AI tool for impromptu training for the a major running event.

The 21-year-old hailing from Aberdare explained she appreciated the liberty to pose queries any time of day – a feature she believed was not possible with a personal trainer.

She relied on an AI-driven fitness application that provided her personalised plans with voice guidance and speed targets for her inaugural half marathon in 2024.

She said she requested it to create a regimen merging cardio and the gym, and it produced an multi-week plan customized to her event day and goals.

The user then adjusted the schedule to fit her daily routine, which she said was highly practical.

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

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

"With AI you have to motivate yourself, which I actually prefer," she added.

A weightlifter

Remarkable Fitness Gains

In a similar case, Richard Gallimore, 23, from a Welsh city, has been using artificial intelligence for his fitness and diet plans, and said he has achieved peak strength, increasing his chest press from a lower weight to 110kg.

He resorted to a bot for help after being forced to walk a running event.

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

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

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

The Expense Comparison: Technology vs. Conventional Coaching

A recent survey in the previous year compared prices for 17 of the largest gym brands and found the typical monthly fee was approximately forty pounds a month, based on standard full-access plans.

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

According to industry research, fitness coaches set their own rates, usually £30-£65 per hour-long appointment in most areas and about £45-£65 in London.

Clients will often hire a coach once or twice a week and collaborate for a short period, but these agreements are completely flexible.

Dafydd Judd

The Irreplaceable Human Element

Personal trainer one experienced professional, from Cardiff, said AI can be beneficial to accelerate results, but believes it will never replace the personal interaction and responsibility that in-person coaching offers.

The 37-year-old, who has 12 years experience as a coach, specialises in older adults and recovery from injuries. He mentioned a number of his clients also use technology.

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

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

Dafydd said Artificial intelligence can inform users and make guidance more effective.

But, he said real commitment comes when people appear in person for training.

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

For many, he said, the gym is a space to leave phones behind and stop being glued to screens.