🔗 Share this article

Leah Walsh

Following a holiday period filled with indulgent treats and relaxation, numerous individuals enter January aiming to get their fitness back on track.

But, is it possible that AI be changing the fitness industry by offering an option to human coaches?

Tailored Plans and Flexible Timelines

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

The 21-year-old hailing from Aberdare explained she liked the freedom to ask it questions any time of day – something she felt was unavailable with a traditional coach.

She relied on an AI-driven running app that provided her personalised plans with audio coaching and pace setting for her first half marathon in recent years.

She explained she requested it to design a plan combining running and the weight training, 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 said was highly practical.

Subsequently, 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 goal time.

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

"Using AI you have to motivate yourself, which I quite like," she remarked.

Richard Gallimore

Remarkable Strength Gains

In a similar case, Another individual, 23, based in Swansea, has been employing AI for his exercise and nutrition programs, and reported he has achieved peak strength, boosting his chest press from a lower weight to 110kg.

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

"I realized I need to sort myself out," he commented.

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

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

The Expense Comparison: Technology vs. Conventional Training

A recent survey in the previous year analyzed costs for 17 of the largest gym brands and found the average membership cost was approximately forty pounds per month, for standard full-access plans.

Fees started at a lower price at the most affordable provider to £132 at the most expensive.

According to further data, personal trainers set their own rates, typically £30-£65 per hour-long appointment in most areas and about £45-£65 in London.

Customers typically hire a coach one or two times a week and work with them for a short period, but these arrangements are completely flexible.

A personal trainer

The Irreplaceable Human Touch

Personal trainer one experienced professional, from the Welsh capital, said AI can be useful to speed up progress, but is convinced it will never replace the human connection and responsibility that live training offers.

This expert, who has 12 years experience as a coach, focuses on senior clients and injury rehabilitation. He mentioned a number of his clients also employ AI.

"In my opinion it's very valuable, more knowledge is positive," he said.

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

Dafydd explained Artificial intelligence can inform users and make guidance more efficient.

But, he argued true dedication comes when people appear in person for their sessions.

"As useful as it is at the middle of the night, a digital tool cannot ensure you show up at early morning before work," Dafydd added.

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