🔗 Share this article

A runner

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.

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

Personalized Plans and Flexible Timelines

Leah Walsh used an AI tool for last-minute preparation for the a major running event.

This young woman hailing from Aberdare said she appreciated the freedom to ask it questions at all hours – something she felt was unavailable with a traditional coach.

Leah used an AI-driven 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 gym, and it generated an 11-week plan tailored to her race date and objectives.

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

The following year, she chose a alternative application because it was more affordable and she could consult it at any time. She finished a minute faster than her goal time.

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

"Using artificial intelligence you have to motivate yourself, which I actually prefer," she added.

Richard Gallimore

Remarkable Strength Gains

Meanwhile, Richard Gallimore, in his twenties, from a Welsh city, has been using AI for his fitness and diet plans, and said he has achieved peak strength, boosting his chest press from a lower weight to 110kg.

He turned to a bot 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 personalized to his goals, and created organized workouts.

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

The Expense Comparison: AI vs. Conventional Coaching

One recent survey in the previous year analyzed prices for 17 of the largest gym brands and found the average membership cost was approximately forty pounds per month, based on standard memberships.

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

According to further data, fitness coaches determine their own fees, usually £30-£65 per hour-long session in most areas and about £45-£65 in the capital.

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

A personal trainer

The Irreplaceable Human Element

Fitness coach Dafydd Judd, from Cardiff, acknowledged artificial intelligence can be beneficial to speed up progress, but is convinced it will not supplant the personal interaction and accountability that live training offers.

This expert, who has 12 years experience as a coach, focuses on older adults and injury rehabilitation. He mentioned a number of his clients also use technology.

"In my opinion it's extremely useful, additional information is good," he said.

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

Dafydd explained Artificial intelligence can educate users and make coaching more effective.

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

"No matter how helpful as it is at the middle of the night, a computer cannot ensure you show up at 7am before work," Dafydd concluded.

In the view of many, he said, the fitness center is a space to leave phones behind and take a break from technology.