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Leah Walsh

After a festive period filled with rich foods and downtime, many people head into the new year aiming to get their fitness back on track.

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

Personalized Plans and Flexible Timelines

Leah Walsh used an AI tool for impromptu training for the a major running event.

This young woman from Aberdare explained she liked the freedom to pose queries any time of day – a feature she believed was not possible with a personal trainer.

Leah relied on an AI-powered running app that provided her personalised plans with audio coaching and speed targets for her inaugural long-distance race in 2024.

She said she requested it to create a regimen merging cardio and the weight training, and it produced an multi-week plan customized to her event day and objectives.

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

The following year, she opted for a different tool because it was more affordable and she could consult it whenever she wanted. Her result was a minute faster than her target finish.

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

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

A weightlifter

Remarkable Fitness Gains

Meanwhile, Richard Gallimore, in his twenties, based in Swansea, has been employing artificial intelligence for his exercise and nutrition programs, and said he has achieved peak strength, boosting his chest press from 70kg to 110kg.

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

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

This no-cost application constructed a fitness and meal program personalized to his aims, and established structured routines.

"I work out for about two hours a day and I've seen a real difference," he said.

The Expense Contrast: AI vs. Traditional Coaching

One recent survey in the previous year compared prices for numerous of the largest gym brands and found the average membership cost was around £38 a month, based on standard full-access plans.

Fees started at £23 at the cheapest provider to £132 at the highest-priced.

According to further data, personal trainers determine their own fees, usually a range of thirty to sixty-five pounds per 45-60 minute session in most areas and about £45-£65 in London.

Customers typically hire a coach one or two times a week and collaborate for a few months, but these agreements are often adaptable.

A personal trainer

The Irreplaceable Human Touch

Fitness coach one experienced professional, from the Welsh capital, acknowledged artificial intelligence can be beneficial to accelerate results, but is convinced it will never replace the personal interaction and responsibility that live training provides.

This expert, who has over a decade of experience as a coach, focuses on older adults and injury rehabilitation. He said some of his trainees also use technology.

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

"I believe the more that people are online the more they'll want human connection because they want the warmth from the understanding that is missing from a computer," he added.

The trainer said Artificial intelligence can educate users and make guidance more effective.

However, he said real commitment comes when people appear physically for their sessions.

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

For many, he said, the gym is a space to leave phones behind and stop being glued to screens.