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Leah Walsh

Following a holiday period filled with rich foods and downtime, many people head into the new year looking to regain their fitness momentum.

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

Tailored Plans and Flexible Schedules

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

This young woman from Aberdare said she liked the liberty to pose queries any time of day – a feature she felt was unavailable with a personal trainer.

Leah used an AI-driven running app that gave her customized schedules with voice guidance and speed targets for her inaugural half marathon in recent years.

She said she asked it to create a regimen merging cardio and the gym, and it produced an 11-week programme tailored to her event day and goals.

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

Subsequently, she opted for a alternative application because it was cheaper and she could ask it questions at any time. Her result was a minute faster than her goal time.

She said she did not want the pressure from a human personal trainer.

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

Richard Gallimore

Remarkable Strength Gains

In a similar case, Another individual, 23, from a Welsh city, has been employing AI for his fitness and diet plans, and reported he has never felt stronger, boosting his chest press from a lower weight to a much heavier load.

Richard resorted to a bot for help after being unable to run a running event.

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

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

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

The Expense Comparison: AI vs. Traditional Training

A recent survey in the previous year compared prices for numerous of the biggest gym brands and found the average membership cost was approximately forty pounds a month, based on basic memberships.

Prices started at £23 at the most affordable chain to £132 at the most expensive.

Based on further data, fitness coaches set their own rates, usually a range of thirty to sixty-five pounds per 45-60 minute session in most areas and about £45-£65 in the capital.

Customers will often hire a trainer once or twice a week and collaborate for a few months, but these agreements are often adaptable.

A personal trainer

The Essential Human Element

Fitness coach one experienced professional, from Cardiff, said AI can be useful to speed up progress, but believes it will not supplant the personal interaction and accountability 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 said a number of his trainees also employ AI.

"In my opinion it's very valuable, 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 continued.

The trainer explained Artificial intelligence can educate users and make guidance more efficient.

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

"No matter how helpful as it is at the middle of the night, a computer won't keep you accountable at 7am before work," Dafydd concluded.

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