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Leah Walsh

Following a holiday period packed with rich foods and downtime, many people enter the new year looking to get their fitness back on track.

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

Personalized Plans and Adaptable Schedules

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

This young woman from a town in Wales said she liked the freedom to ask it questions at all hours – something she felt was not possible with a personal trainer.

Leah relied on an AI-driven fitness application that provided her customized schedules with voice guidance and speed targets for her inaugural half marathon in recent years.

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

The user then adjusted the plan to fit her lifestyle, which she described was highly practical.

Subsequently, she chose a alternative application because it was more affordable 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.

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

A weightlifter

Significant Strength Improvements

In a similar case, Another individual, in his twenties, from Swansea, has been using AI for his fitness and diet plans, and reported he has achieved peak strength, boosting his chest press from a lower weight to 110kg.

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

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

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

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

The Expense Comparison: Technology vs. Conventional Training

One recent study in the previous year analyzed prices for numerous of the biggest fitness chains and found the average membership cost was around £38 a month, for standard full-access plans.

Fees ranged from a lower price at the cheapest provider to a premium rate at the most expensive.

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

Customers typically hire a trainer once or twice a week and work with them for a few months, however these agreements are completely flexible.

A personal trainer

The Irreplaceable Human Element

Fitness coach one experienced professional, based in Cardiff, said AI can be useful to accelerate results, but believes it will not supplant the human connection and accountability that in-person coaching provides.

This expert, who has 12 years experience as a trainer, focuses on older adults and injury rehabilitation. He mentioned some of his trainees also employ technology.

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

"I think the more that people are online the more they'll want personal contact because they crave the warmth from the comprehension that is missing from a computer," he added.

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

However, he said true dedication comes when people appear in person for their sessions.

"As useful as it is at the middle of the night, a digital tool cannot ensure you show up at 7am before work," Dafydd concluded.

In the view of many, he suggested, the gym is a space to disconnect from devices and take a break from technology.