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Leah Walsh

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

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

Personalized Plans and Adaptable Timelines

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

This young woman from a town in Wales said she liked the liberty to pose queries at all hours – something she believed was unavailable with a traditional coach.

Leah used an AI-driven running app that provided her personalised plans with voice guidance and speed targets for her first long-distance race in 2024.

She said she asked it to create a plan combining cardio and the weight training, and it generated an multi-week programme tailored to her race date and objectives.

The user then adjusted the schedule to fit her lifestyle, which she described was highly practical.

Subsequently, she chose a alternative application because it was cheaper and she could ask it questions whenever she wanted. She finished a full minute quicker than her target finish.

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

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

Richard Gallimore

Remarkable Fitness Gains

In a similar case, Richard Gallimore, 23, from Swansea, has been using artificial intelligence for his fitness and diet plans, and said he has never felt stronger, increasing his chest press from 70kg to a much heavier load.

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

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

The free tool constructed a fitness and meal program personalized to his aims, and created organized workouts.

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

The Expense Comparison: Technology vs. Traditional Coaching

One recent study in the previous year compared costs for 17 of the largest gym brands and found the typical monthly fee was around £38 a month, for standard full-access plans.

Prices started at £23 at the cheapest chain to a premium rate at the most expensive.

According to industry research, fitness coaches determine their own fees, usually £30-£65 per hour-long appointment outside London and about £45-£65 in London.

Clients typically hire a trainer one or two times a week and work with them for a few months, however these arrangements are completely flexible.

Dafydd Judd

The Essential Personal Element

Personal trainer one experienced professional, from Cardiff, acknowledged AI can be beneficial to accelerate results, but believes it will not supplant the human connection and responsibility that in-person coaching provides.

The 37-year-old, who has 12 years experience as a trainer, specialises in senior clients and injury rehabilitation. He mentioned some of his trainees also use technology.

"I think it's very valuable, 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 comprehension that is absent from a machine," he added.

Dafydd said AI can educate clients and make guidance more effective.

However, he argued true dedication comes when people appear physically for their sessions.

"No matter how helpful as it is at the middle of the night, a computer won't keep you accountable at 7am before work," he added.

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