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Leah Walsh

After a festive period filled with rich foods and downtime, many people enter the new year looking to regain their fitness momentum.

However, is it possible that Artificial Intelligence be transforming the fitness industry by offering an option to personal trainers?

Personalized Plans and Flexible Schedules

Leah Walsh employed an AI tool for last-minute preparation for the Cardiff Half Marathon.

This young woman hailing from a town in Wales explained she liked the liberty to ask it questions at all hours – something she felt was not possible with a traditional coach.

Leah relied on an AI-powered fitness application that gave her personalised plans with voice guidance and speed targets for her inaugural long-distance race in recent years.

She explained she requested it to create a plan combining cardio and the gym, and it generated an 11-week programme tailored to her race date and objectives.

Leah then adjusted the plan to suit her daily routine, which she described was convenient.

The following year, she opted for a different tool because it was cheaper and she could ask it questions at any time. She finished a minute faster than her goal time.

She said 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 added.

A weightlifter

Significant Strength Gains

Meanwhile, Another individual, in his twenties, based in a Welsh city, has been using artificial intelligence for his exercise and nutrition programs, and said he has achieved peak strength, increasing his chest press from 70kg to a much heavier load.

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

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

This no-cost application built a workout and diet plan personalized to his aims, and established organized workouts.

"I work out for about 120 minutes a day and I've seen a noticeable change," he added.

The Expense Comparison: AI vs. Conventional Training

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

Fees started at £23 at the most affordable chain to a premium rate at the most expensive.

Based on further data, fitness coaches determine their own fees, usually £30-£65 per 45-60 minute session in most areas and about a similar range in London.

Customers typically hire a coach once or twice a week and collaborate for a short period, but these arrangements are often adaptable.

Dafydd Judd

The Essential Human Touch

Personal trainer one experienced professional, from Cardiff, acknowledged artificial intelligence can be beneficial to accelerate results, but is convinced it will not supplant the personal interaction and accountability that in-person coaching offers.

This expert, who has over a decade of experience as a trainer, focuses on senior clients and recovery from injuries. He mentioned a number of his clients also employ AI.

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

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

The trainer said AI can educate clients and make guidance more efficient.

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

"As useful as it is at the middle of the night, a computer cannot ensure you show up at 7am before work," Dafydd concluded.

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