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A runner

Following a holiday period packed with rich foods and relaxation, many people head into the new year looking to regain their fitness momentum.

But, is it possible that AI be changing the fitness industry by offering an alternative to personal trainers?

Personalized Plans and Flexible Timelines

Leah Walsh used an AI tool for impromptu preparation for the Cardiff Half Marathon.

This young woman from a town in Wales said she liked the freedom to ask it questions any time of day – something she felt was unavailable with a personal trainer.

Leah used an AI-driven fitness application that provided her customized schedules with audio coaching and speed targets for her inaugural half marathon in 2024.

She explained she requested it to create a regimen merging running and the gym, and it generated an 11-week plan customized to her event day and goals.

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

The following year, she opted for a alternative application because it was more affordable and she could ask it questions whenever she wanted. She finished a minute faster than her goal time.

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

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

Richard Gallimore

Significant Fitness Improvements

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, increasing his bench press from a lower weight to 110kg.

He resorted to a bot for help after being unable to run a running event.

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

The free tool constructed a fitness and meal program tailored to his aims, and established organized workouts.

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

The Cost Comparison: AI vs. Traditional Coaching

One recent survey in the previous year compared prices for numerous of the largest gym brands and found the typical monthly fee was around £38 per month, based on basic memberships.

Fees ranged from a lower price at the cheapest chain to a premium rate at the most expensive.

Based on further data, 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 £45-£65 in London.

Clients typically hire a coach one or two times a week and work with them for a short period, however these arrangements are often adaptable.

Dafydd Judd

The Irreplaceable Personal Element

Personal trainer Dafydd Judd, based in the Welsh capital, said artificial intelligence can be useful to speed up progress, but is convinced it will never replace the human connection and accountability that live training provides.

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

"In my opinion it's extremely useful, additional information is positive," he said.

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

The trainer said AI can educate clients and make coaching more efficient.

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

"No matter how helpful as it is at the middle of the night, a computer cannot ensure you show up at early morning before work," he concluded.

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