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Leah Walsh

After a holiday period packed with indulgent treats and downtime, numerous individuals head into the new year looking to get their fitness back on track.

But, could Artificial Intelligence be changing the fitness industry by providing an option to personal trainers?

Personalized Programs and Flexible Timelines

One fitness enthusiast employed an artificial intelligence application for impromptu preparation for the a major running event.

This young woman hailing from a town in Wales explained she appreciated the freedom to pose queries at all hours – something she believed was unavailable with a traditional coach.

Leah used an AI-driven running app that gave her personalised plans with voice guidance and speed targets for her first long-distance race in recent years.

She explained she requested it to design a plan combining running and the gym, and it produced an 11-week plan customized to her race date and objectives.

The user then tweaked the plan to suit her daily routine, which she said was convenient.

Subsequently, she opted for a different tool because it was more affordable and she could ask it questions whenever she wanted. She finished a full minute quicker than her goal time.

She said she wanted to avoid the pressure from a human personal trainer.

"With AI you have to find your own drive, which I actually prefer," she added.

Richard Gallimore

Remarkable Fitness Improvements

In a similar case, Richard Gallimore, in his twenties, based in a Welsh city, has been employing AI for his exercise and nutrition programs, and reported he has never felt stronger, boosting his chest press from 70kg to a much heavier load.

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

"I just knew I need to get myself in shape," he commented.

The free tool built a workout and diet plan tailored to his aims, and created organized workouts.

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

The Expense Contrast: AI vs. Traditional Coaching

A recent survey in the previous year compared costs for numerous of the biggest fitness chains and found the average membership cost was around £38 per month, for standard full-access plans.

Fees ranged from £23 at the most affordable chain to a premium rate at the highest-priced.

According to industry research, personal trainers set their own rates, usually a range of thirty to sixty-five pounds per 45-60 minute appointment outside London and about a similar range in the capital.

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

Dafydd Judd

The Irreplaceable Human Touch

Personal trainer one experienced professional, from Cardiff, acknowledged AI can be beneficial to accelerate results, 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 trainer, specialises in older adults and recovery from injuries. He said a number of his clients also use technology.

"I think it's extremely useful, more knowledge is positive," he stated.

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

The trainer said Artificial intelligence can educate clients and make coaching more efficient.

However, he said true dedication comes when people show up in person for training.

"No matter how helpful as it is at 2am, a computer won't keep you accountable at 7am before work," he concluded.

For many, he suggested, the fitness center is a place to leave phones behind and take a break from technology.