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Leah Walsh

After a holiday period packed with indulgent treats and relaxation, many people head into January aiming to regain their fitness momentum.

But, is it possible that AI be changing the fitness industry by offering an option to human coaches?

Tailored Plans and Flexible Schedules

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

The 21-year-old hailing from a town in Wales explained she appreciated the liberty to pose queries any time of day – something she believed was not possible with a personal trainer.

Leah used an AI-powered fitness application that provided her customized schedules with audio coaching and speed targets for her first long-distance race in 2024.

She said she requested it to create a regimen combining cardio and the gym, and it produced an 11-week plan customized to her event day and goals.

Leah then adjusted the schedule to fit her daily routine, which she said was convenient.

Subsequently, she chose a different tool because it was more affordable and she could consult it whenever she wanted. Her result was a full minute quicker than her goal time.

She noted she did not want feeling pressure from a live instructor.

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

Richard Gallimore

Significant Fitness Improvements

In a similar case, Another individual, 23, based in a Welsh city, has been employing AI for his exercise and nutrition programs, and reported he has never felt stronger, boosting his bench press from a lower weight to a much heavier load.

He turned to a AI assistant for help after being unable to run a running event.

"I realized I need to sort myself out," he said.

This no-cost application built a workout and diet plan tailored to his aims, and created structured routines.

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

The Expense Comparison: AI vs. Traditional Training

A recent survey 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, based on standard full-access plans.

Fees ranged from £23 at the most affordable chain to £132 at the highest-priced.

Based on further data, fitness coaches determine their own fees, typically a range of thirty to sixty-five pounds per 45-60 minute session outside London and about a similar range in London.

Customers will often hire a coach one or two times a week and collaborate for a short period, however these arrangements are often adaptable.

Dafydd Judd

The Irreplaceable Human Touch

Fitness coach one experienced professional, from the Welsh capital, said artificial intelligence can be beneficial to speed up progress, but believes it will never replace the human connection and responsibility that in-person coaching provides.

The 37-year-old, who has 12 years experience as a coach, focuses on older adults and injury rehabilitation. He said some of his clients also use AI.

"I think it's very valuable, more knowledge is positive," he said.

"I believe the more that people are connected digitally the more they'll desire human connection because they crave the empathy from the comprehension that is absent from a machine," he added.

The trainer said AI can educate users and make coaching more effective.

However, he argued real commitment comes when people appear in person for their sessions.

"No matter how helpful as it is at 2am, a computer cannot ensure you show up at 7am before work," he added.

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