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Leah Walsh

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

But, could Artificial Intelligence be changing the fitness industry by offering an alternative to human coaches?

Tailored Programs and Flexible Schedules

Leah Walsh used an AI tool for impromptu training for the Cardiff Half Marathon.

The 21-year-old hailing from Aberdare explained she liked the freedom to pose queries any time of day – something she believed was not possible with a personal trainer.

She used an AI-driven running app that provided her customized schedules with voice guidance and speed targets for her inaugural half marathon in 2024.

She said she requested it to create a regimen combining cardio and the gym, and it produced an multi-week programme customized to her race date and objectives.

The user then adjusted the schedule to fit 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 whenever she wanted. Her result was a full minute quicker than her target finish.

She noted she wanted to avoid the pressure from a live instructor.

"With AI you have to find your own drive, which I quite like," she remarked.

Richard Gallimore

Remarkable Fitness Improvements

In a similar case, Richard Gallimore, 23, from a Welsh city, has been employing AI for his exercise and nutrition programs, and reported he has never felt stronger, boosting his bench press from 70kg to 110kg.

He turned to a AI assistant for assistance after being forced to walk a race.

"I realized I had to sort myself out," he said.

The free tool constructed a fitness and meal program personalized to his aims, and created organized workouts.

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

The Cost Contrast: Technology vs. Traditional Coaching

A recent study in the previous year analyzed costs for numerous of the largest gym brands and found the average membership cost was approximately forty pounds per month, for standard full-access plans.

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

Based on further data, personal trainers determine their own fees, typically £30-£65 per 45-60 minute appointment outside London and about a similar range in the capital.

Customers typically hire a trainer one or two times a week and work with them for a few months, however these arrangements are completely flexible.

Dafydd Judd

The Essential Personal Touch

Personal trainer Dafydd Judd, from the Welsh capital, acknowledged artificial intelligence can be beneficial to speed up progress, but believes it will never replace the human connection and accountability that in-person coaching offers.

This expert, who has 12 years experience as a coach, specialises in senior clients and recovery from injuries. He mentioned a number of his clients also employ AI.

"I think it's extremely useful, additional information is positive," he said.

"I believe the more people are online the more they'll want personal contact because they want the empathy from the comprehension that is absent from a computer," he added.

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

But, he said true dedication comes when people show up in person for their sessions.

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

For many, he suggested, the gym is a place to disconnect from devices and stop being glued to screens.