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A runner

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

But, is it possible that AI be transforming the fitness industry by providing an alternative to personal trainers?

Tailored Plans and Adaptable Schedules

One fitness enthusiast used an artificial intelligence application for impromptu preparation for the Cardiff Half Marathon.

This young woman hailing from a town in Wales explained she liked the liberty to ask it questions any time of day – a feature she believed was unavailable with a personal trainer.

She relied on an AI-powered running app that provided her personalised plans with audio coaching and pace setting for her inaugural long-distance race in recent years.

She explained she asked it to create a regimen merging running and the weight training, and it produced an 11-week programme customized to her event day and goals.

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

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

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

"Using AI you have to find your own drive, which I quite like," she added.

Richard Gallimore

Significant Strength Gains

Meanwhile, Another individual, in his twenties, from Swansea, has been using artificial intelligence for his exercise and nutrition programs, and reported he has never felt stronger, boosting his bench press from 70kg to 110kg.

He resorted to a AI assistant for assistance after being forced to walk a race.

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

This no-cost application built a fitness and meal program tailored to his goals, and established organized workouts.

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

The Cost Contrast: AI vs. Traditional Training

A recent survey in the previous year analyzed costs for 17 of the largest gym brands and found the typical monthly fee was around £38 a month, for standard memberships.

Fees ranged from £23 at the cheapest provider to a premium rate at the highest-priced.

Based on further data, fitness coaches set their own rates, usually a range of thirty to sixty-five pounds per hour-long appointment in most areas and about a similar range in London.

Clients will often hire a coach once or twice a week and work with them for a few months, however these agreements are completely flexible.

A personal trainer

The Irreplaceable Human Element

Personal trainer Dafydd Judd, based in Cardiff, acknowledged AI can be beneficial to accelerate results, but is convinced it will not supplant the personal interaction 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 said some of his clients also use technology.

"In my opinion it's very valuable, additional information is positive," he stated.

"I think the more people are connected digitally the more they'll want personal contact because they want the empathy from the comprehension that is missing from a machine," he continued.

Dafydd said AI can educate users and make coaching more efficient.

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

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

In the view of many, he said, the fitness center is a place to leave phones behind and stop being glued to screens.