🔗 Share this article

Leah Walsh

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

However, could AI be transforming the fitness industry by offering an option to human coaches?

Tailored Programs and Flexible Timelines

One fitness enthusiast used an AI tool for last-minute preparation for the a major running event.

This young woman from a town in Wales explained she appreciated the liberty to ask it questions at all hours – a feature she felt was unavailable with a personal trainer.

She relied on an AI-powered fitness application that provided her personalised plans with audio coaching and speed targets for her first long-distance race in recent years.

She said she requested it to design a plan merging running and the gym, and it produced an 11-week plan customized to her event day and goals.

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

The following year, she opted for a different tool because it was more affordable and she could ask it questions at any time. Her result was a minute faster than her goal time.

She said she wanted to avoid the pressure from a human personal trainer.

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

A weightlifter

Remarkable Fitness Gains

Meanwhile, Another individual, 23, from a Welsh city, has been employing artificial intelligence for his exercise and nutrition programs, and said he has achieved peak strength, boosting his chest press from a lower weight to 110kg.

Richard resorted to a bot for assistance after being unable to run a race.

"I just knew I had to get myself in shape," he said.

The free tool built a workout and diet plan personalized to his aims, and created structured routines.

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

The Expense Contrast: AI vs. Traditional Training

A recent study in the previous year compared prices for 17 of the largest gym brands and found the typical monthly fee was approximately forty pounds per month, based on basic memberships.

Prices ranged from £23 at the cheapest provider to a premium rate at the highest-priced.

Based on industry research, fitness coaches determine their own fees, usually a range of thirty to sixty-five pounds per hour-long session in most areas and about £45-£65 in the capital.

Clients will often hire a trainer one or two times a week and work with them for a short period, but these arrangements are often adaptable.

Dafydd Judd

The Irreplaceable Personal Element

Personal trainer one experienced professional, from Cardiff, said artificial intelligence can be beneficial to speed up progress, but is convinced it will never replace the human connection and responsibility that in-person coaching provides.

The 37-year-old, who has 12 years experience as a trainer, specialises in older adults and injury rehabilitation. He mentioned a number of his clients also employ AI.

"In my opinion it's very valuable, additional information is good," he said.

"I think the more people are online the more they'll desire human connection because they want the empathy from the comprehension that is missing from a machine," he added.

The trainer explained Artificial intelligence can educate users and make coaching more efficient.

But, he said real commitment comes when people appear physically for training.

"As useful as it is at the middle of the night, a digital tool cannot ensure you show up at 7am before work," Dafydd added.

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