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Leah Walsh

After a holiday period filled with indulgent treats and relaxation, numerous individuals head into the new year looking to regain their fitness momentum.

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

Tailored Programs and Flexible Timelines

One fitness enthusiast employed an artificial intelligence application for impromptu training for the a major running event.

The 21-year-old hailing from a town in Wales said she liked the freedom to pose queries at all hours – something she believed was unavailable with a personal trainer.

Leah used an AI-powered fitness application that provided her personalised plans with audio coaching and speed targets for her first long-distance race in recent years.

She said she requested it to create a plan merging running and the weight training, and it generated an multi-week programme customized to her race date and goals.

The user then tweaked the plan to suit her daily routine, which she said was convenient.

The following year, she opted for a different tool because it was cheaper and she could ask it questions at any time. Her result was a full minute quicker than her target finish.

She noted she did not want feeling pressure from a human personal trainer.

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

A weightlifter

Significant Fitness Improvements

In a similar case, Richard Gallimore, in his twenties, based in Swansea, has been employing AI for his exercise and nutrition programs, and said he has never felt stronger, boosting his bench press from 70kg to 110kg.

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

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

This no-cost application constructed a workout and diet plan tailored to his goals, and created organized workouts.

"I work out for about two hours a day and I've seen a real difference," he added.

The Cost Contrast: Technology vs. Traditional Training

A recent study in the previous year analyzed prices for 17 of the biggest gym brands and found the typical monthly fee was around £38 per month, for standard full-access plans.

Prices ranged from £23 at the most affordable provider to a premium rate at the most expensive.

Based on further data, fitness coaches set their own rates, typically a range of thirty to sixty-five pounds per hour-long appointment outside London and about a similar range in London.

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

A personal trainer

The Irreplaceable Personal Element

Personal trainer one experienced professional, based in Cardiff, acknowledged artificial intelligence can be beneficial to accelerate results, but is convinced it will never replace the human connection and responsibility that in-person coaching provides.

The 37-year-old, who has over a decade of experience as a coach, specialises in senior clients and injury rehabilitation. He mentioned a number of his clients also use technology.

"I think it's very valuable, additional information is positive," he said.

"I think the more people are connected digitally the more they'll desire personal contact because they crave the empathy from the comprehension that is missing from a computer," he added.

Dafydd said Artificial intelligence can inform clients and make guidance more effective.

But, he said true dedication comes when people appear physically for training.

"No matter how helpful as it is at 2am, a digital tool cannot ensure you show up at early morning before work," Dafydd added.

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