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A runner

After a festive period filled with rich foods and downtime, numerous individuals enter the new year aiming to regain their fitness momentum.

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

Tailored Plans and Flexible Timelines

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

This young woman hailing from Aberdare explained she liked the liberty to ask it questions at all hours – something she believed was not possible with a traditional coach.

She relied on an AI-powered fitness application that gave her customized schedules with voice guidance and pace setting for her inaugural half marathon in recent years.

She explained she asked it to design a plan combining running and the weight training, and it produced an 11-week plan customized to her event day and objectives.

Leah then adjusted the schedule to suit her lifestyle, which she said was convenient.

The following year, she chose a different tool because it was cheaper and she could ask it questions whenever she wanted. Her result was a full minute quicker than her goal time.

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

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

Richard Gallimore

Remarkable Strength Improvements

Meanwhile, Another individual, 23, based in a Welsh city, has been using artificial intelligence for his exercise and nutrition programs, and said he has never felt stronger, boosting his chest press from a lower weight to 110kg.

Richard turned to a AI assistant for assistance after being unable to run a race.

"I just knew I need to sort myself out," he said.

The free tool constructed a workout and diet plan personalized to his aims, and established organized workouts.

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

The Cost Comparison: Technology vs. Conventional Training

One recent survey in the previous year compared costs for 17 of the biggest fitness chains and found the average membership cost was approximately forty pounds per month, for basic memberships.

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

Based on further data, fitness coaches set their own rates, typically a range of thirty to sixty-five pounds per 45-60 minute session outside London and about £45-£65 in London.

Customers typically hire a trainer one or two times a week and collaborate for a short period, however these agreements are often adaptable.

A personal trainer

The Essential Personal Touch

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

The 37-year-old, who has 12 years experience as a coach, focuses on senior clients and recovery from injuries. He mentioned some of his clients also employ technology.

"I think it's very valuable, additional information is positive," he stated.

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

Dafydd explained AI can inform clients 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 2am, a digital tool cannot ensure you show up at 7am before work," Dafydd concluded.

For many, he suggested, the gym is a space to disconnect from devices and take a break from technology.