🔗 Share this article

A runner

After a festive period filled with rich foods and relaxation, numerous individuals enter January aiming to regain their fitness momentum.

However, could AI be changing the fitness industry by providing an alternative to human coaches?

Tailored Programs and Adaptable Schedules

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

The 21-year-old hailing from a town in Wales said she appreciated the liberty to pose queries any time of day – a feature she felt was not possible with a personal trainer.

Leah relied on an AI-powered running app that provided her personalised plans with audio coaching and speed targets for her first long-distance race in 2024.

She said she requested it to design a plan combining running and the gym, and it produced an 11-week plan customized to her event day and goals.

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

The following year, she opted for 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 goal time.

She noted she wanted to avoid the pressure from a human personal trainer.

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

Richard Gallimore

Significant Fitness Improvements

Meanwhile, Richard Gallimore, 23, based in a Welsh city, has been employing artificial intelligence for his fitness and diet plans, and said he has never felt stronger, increasing his bench press from a lower weight to a much heavier load.

He resorted to a bot for assistance after being unable to run a race.

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

This no-cost application constructed a workout and diet plan tailored to his aims, and created structured routines.

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

The Cost Comparison: AI vs. Traditional Coaching

A recent study in the previous year analyzed costs for 17 of the largest fitness chains and found the average membership cost was approximately forty pounds per month, based on basic memberships.

Prices ranged from a lower price at the most affordable provider to £132 at the highest-priced.

Based on further data, personal trainers determine their own fees, usually a range of thirty to sixty-five pounds per hour-long appointment in most areas and about a similar range in the capital.

Clients typically hire a coach one or two times a week and work with them for a short period, however these agreements are completely flexible.

A personal trainer

The Essential Human Element

Personal trainer Dafydd Judd, based in Cardiff, said artificial intelligence can be beneficial to accelerate results, but is convinced it will never replace the personal interaction and responsibility that live training offers.

The 37-year-old, who has over a decade of experience as a trainer, focuses on older adults and recovery from injuries. He mentioned some of his trainees also employ technology.

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

"I believe the more people are online the more they'll desire human connection because they want the empathy from the comprehension that is missing from a machine," he added.

Dafydd explained Artificial intelligence can educate clients and make guidance more effective.

However, he said real commitment comes when people appear physically for their sessions.

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

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