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A runner

After a holiday period packed with indulgent treats and downtime, many people enter the new year looking to get their fitness back on track.

But, is it possible that Artificial Intelligence be changing the fitness industry by offering an alternative to human coaches?

Tailored Programs and Flexible Timelines

One fitness enthusiast employed an AI tool for last-minute training for the Cardiff Half Marathon.

The 21-year-old from a town in Wales explained she liked the freedom to pose queries at all hours – something she felt was not possible with a personal trainer.

Leah relied on an AI-driven running app that gave her personalised plans with voice guidance and pace setting for her inaugural long-distance race in recent years.

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

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

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 target finish.

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

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

A weightlifter

Significant Strength Improvements

In a similar case, Another individual, in his twenties, based in a Welsh city, has been using artificial intelligence for his fitness and diet plans, and reported he has achieved peak strength, boosting his bench press from 70kg to 110kg.

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

"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 Expense Contrast: Technology vs. Traditional Coaching

One recent survey in the previous year analyzed costs for 17 of the biggest gym brands and found the average membership cost was around £38 per month, for basic memberships.

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

According to industry research, personal trainers determine their own fees, typically a range of thirty to sixty-five pounds per hour-long session outside London and about £45-£65 in London.

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

Dafydd Judd

The Irreplaceable Personal Touch

Personal trainer Dafydd Judd, from the Welsh capital, acknowledged AI can be useful to accelerate results, but is convinced it will never replace the human connection and accountability that in-person coaching provides.

The 37-year-old, who has over a decade of experience as a trainer, specialises in older adults and injury rehabilitation. He mentioned some of his clients also employ technology.

"I think it's very valuable, more knowledge is positive," he stated.

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

Dafydd explained AI can educate users and make guidance more efficient.

But, he argued real commitment comes when people appear physically for training.

"No matter how helpful as it is at the middle of the night, a computer cannot ensure you show up at early morning before work," Dafydd concluded.

In the view of many, he said, the gym is a place to disconnect from devices and stop being glued to screens.