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Leah Walsh

Following a festive period packed with rich foods and downtime, many people head into January aiming to get their fitness back on track.

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

Personalized Programs and Adaptable Timelines

One fitness enthusiast employed an artificial intelligence application for last-minute training for the Cardiff Half Marathon.

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

She used an AI-powered running app that gave her personalised plans with voice guidance and pace setting for her first long-distance race in recent years.

She explained she asked it to design a regimen merging running and the weight training, and it produced an 11-week plan tailored to her race date and goals.

The user then tweaked the schedule to fit her lifestyle, which she described was convenient.

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

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

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

A weightlifter

Significant Strength Improvements

Meanwhile, Richard Gallimore, in his twenties, based in Swansea, has been employing artificial intelligence for his fitness and diet plans, and said he has never felt stronger, increasing his chest press from a lower weight to a much heavier load.

Richard resorted to a bot for assistance after being forced to walk a running event.

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

The free tool built a workout and diet plan personalized to his aims, and created organized workouts.

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

The Cost Contrast: Technology vs. Traditional Coaching

A recent survey in the previous year analyzed prices for numerous of the biggest fitness chains and found the average membership cost was approximately forty pounds a month, based on standard memberships.

Prices ranged from a lower price at the cheapest chain to £132 at the most expensive.

Based on industry research, personal trainers set their own rates, typically a range of thirty to sixty-five pounds per hour-long appointment outside London and about £45-£65 in London.

Customers will often use a trainer once or twice a week and collaborate for a few months, however these arrangements are often adaptable.

Dafydd Judd

The Essential Human Element

Personal trainer one experienced professional, based in the Welsh capital, acknowledged AI can be beneficial to speed up progress, but is convinced it will never replace the personal interaction and accountability that in-person coaching offers.

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

"In my opinion it's very valuable, more knowledge is good," he stated.

"I think the more people are online the more they'll desire human connection because they want the empathy from the understanding that is missing from a computer," he continued.

The trainer said Artificial intelligence can inform users and make guidance more efficient.

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

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

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