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Leah Walsh

Following a festive period packed with indulgent treats and downtime, many people enter the new year looking to regain their fitness momentum.

But, is it possible that Artificial Intelligence be changing the fitness industry by providing an alternative to human coaches?

Personalized Plans and Flexible Schedules

One fitness enthusiast used an AI tool for impromptu preparation for the Cardiff Half Marathon.

This young woman hailing from a town in Wales explained she liked the freedom to ask it questions at all hours – a feature she believed was unavailable with a traditional coach.

She used an AI-driven running app that provided her personalised plans with voice guidance and pace setting for her first half marathon in recent years.

She explained she requested it to design a regimen merging cardio and the weight training, and it produced an multi-week plan tailored to her event day and goals.

Leah then tweaked the schedule to suit her daily routine, which she described was highly practical.

Subsequently, she opted for a different tool because it was cheaper and she could consult it at any time. She finished a full minute quicker than her goal time.

She said she did not want the pressure from a live instructor.

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

A weightlifter

Remarkable Fitness Improvements

In a similar case, Richard Gallimore, 23, based in Swansea, has been employing artificial intelligence for his exercise and nutrition programs, and reported he has never felt stronger, boosting his bench press from a lower weight to 110kg.

He resorted to a AI assistant for help after being unable to run a race.

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

The free tool constructed a workout and diet plan tailored to his aims, and established structured routines.

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

The Expense Contrast: Technology vs. Conventional Coaching

A recent study in the previous year analyzed costs for 17 of the largest fitness chains and found the typical monthly fee was approximately forty pounds a month, based on basic full-access plans.

Fees ranged from a lower price at the most affordable provider to a premium rate at the highest-priced.

Based on further data, fitness coaches set their own rates, typically £30-£65 per hour-long appointment in most areas and about £45-£65 in the capital.

Clients typically hire a coach one or two times a week and collaborate for a few months, however these agreements are completely flexible.

Dafydd Judd

The Essential Personal Touch

Personal trainer Dafydd Judd, based in Cardiff, said artificial intelligence can be useful to speed up progress, but believes it will never replace the personal interaction and responsibility that in-person coaching provides.

This expert, who has 12 years experience as a trainer, specialises in older adults and recovery from injuries. He said some of his clients also employ technology.

"I think it's extremely useful, more knowledge is good," he said.

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

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

But, he argued real commitment comes when people show up physically for their sessions.

"As useful as it is at 2am, a digital tool cannot ensure you show up at early morning before work," Dafydd concluded.

For many, he suggested, the gym is a space to leave phones behind and take a break from technology.