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A runner

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

However, could Artificial Intelligence be transforming the fitness industry by providing an alternative to human coaches?

Tailored Plans and Adaptable Timelines

Leah Walsh employed an artificial intelligence application for impromptu preparation for the Cardiff Half Marathon.

This young woman hailing from a town in Wales explained she liked the freedom to pose queries at all hours – a feature she felt was unavailable with a traditional coach.

She used an AI-powered running app that gave her personalised plans with voice guidance and pace setting for her inaugural half marathon in 2024.

She explained she requested it to create a plan merging cardio and the gym, and it produced an multi-week plan customized to her race date and objectives.

The user then adjusted the schedule to fit her lifestyle, which she said was highly practical.

Subsequently, she opted for a alternative application because it was cheaper and she could consult it at any time. She finished a minute faster than her goal time.

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

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

A weightlifter

Remarkable Fitness Gains

In a similar case, Another individual, in his twenties, based in a Welsh city, has been using AI for his fitness and diet plans, and said he has never felt stronger, increasing his bench press from 70kg to a much heavier load.

Richard turned to a AI assistant for help after being forced to walk a running event.

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

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

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

The Expense Comparison: Technology vs. Traditional Coaching

A recent study in the previous year analyzed prices for 17 of the biggest fitness chains and found the typical monthly fee was approximately forty pounds per month, based on basic full-access plans.

Fees ranged from £23 at the most affordable provider to a premium rate at the highest-priced.

Based on industry research, personal trainers determine their own fees, typically a range of thirty to sixty-five pounds per 45-60 minute appointment in most areas and about a similar range in London.

Customers will often use a coach once or twice a week and collaborate for a short period, however these arrangements are often adaptable.

Dafydd Judd

The Irreplaceable Personal Touch

Fitness coach Dafydd Judd, from Cardiff, said artificial intelligence can be beneficial to speed up progress, but believes it will not supplant the human connection and accountability that in-person coaching offers.

The 37-year-old, who has 12 years experience as a trainer, focuses on senior clients and injury rehabilitation. He mentioned a number of his clients also use technology.

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

"I think the more that people are connected digitally the more they'll desire human connection because they crave the warmth from the comprehension that is missing from a computer," he added.

The trainer said Artificial intelligence can educate clients and make coaching more effective.

However, he said real commitment comes when people show up physically for training.

"No matter how helpful as it is at 2am, a computer won't keep you accountable at 7am before work," he added.

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