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A runner

After a festive period packed with rich foods and relaxation, many people enter January looking to get their fitness back on track.

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

Tailored Programs and Adaptable Timelines

Leah Walsh employed an artificial intelligence application for last-minute training for the a major running event.

This young woman hailing from a town in Wales said she appreciated the liberty to ask it questions any time of day – something she believed was not possible with a traditional coach.

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

She said she requested it to design a plan merging cardio and the weight training, and it produced an 11-week programme customized to her event day and objectives.

The user then tweaked the schedule to suit her lifestyle, which she described was convenient.

The following year, she chose a different tool because it was cheaper and she could consult it at any time. Her result was a minute faster than her target finish.

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

"With artificial intelligence you have to motivate yourself, which I quite like," she remarked.

A weightlifter

Significant Strength Improvements

Meanwhile, Richard Gallimore, in his twenties, based in Swansea, has been using AI for his fitness and diet plans, and said he has never felt stronger, increasing his bench press from a lower weight to 110kg.

Richard turned to a bot for help after being unable to run a running event.

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

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

"I work out for about 120 minutes a day and I've seen a real difference," he said.

The Cost Comparison: AI vs. Traditional Coaching

One recent study in the previous year compared prices for numerous of the biggest gym brands and found the typical monthly fee was approximately forty pounds per month, for standard full-access plans.

Fees started at a lower price at the cheapest provider to £132 at the most expensive.

According to further data, fitness coaches set their own rates, typically £30-£65 per hour-long session outside London and about a similar range in the capital.

Clients typically use a coach once or twice a week and collaborate for a short period, but these agreements are often adaptable.

A personal trainer

The Essential Human Touch

Fitness coach Dafydd Judd, from Cardiff, said AI can be useful to speed up progress, but is convinced it will not supplant the human connection and responsibility that live training offers.

The 37-year-old, who has over a decade of experience as a trainer, specialises in older adults and injury rehabilitation. He mentioned some of his trainees also employ AI.

"In my opinion it's extremely useful, more knowledge is good," he stated.

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

The trainer explained AI can inform users and make guidance more effective.

However, he argued real commitment comes when people show up in person for training.

"No matter how helpful as it is at the middle of the night, a computer won't keep you accountable at early morning before work," Dafydd concluded.

In the view of many, he suggested, the fitness center is a place to disconnect from devices and stop being glued to screens.