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Leah Walsh

Following a holiday period packed with rich foods and relaxation, many people head into the new year looking to get their fitness back on track.

However, could Artificial Intelligence be transforming the fitness industry by providing an alternative to personal trainers?

Tailored Plans and Flexible Timelines

Leah Walsh used an artificial intelligence application for impromptu training for the a major running event.

The 21-year-old from Aberdare said she appreciated the liberty to pose queries at all hours – a feature she felt was unavailable with a personal trainer.

She used an AI-powered running app that gave her personalised plans with audio coaching and pace setting for her first long-distance race in recent years.

She said she requested it to create a regimen combining cardio and the weight training, and it produced an multi-week programme tailored to her event day and goals.

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

Subsequently, she opted for a alternative application because it was more affordable and she could ask it questions whenever she wanted. Her result was a minute faster than her target finish.

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

"Using artificial intelligence you have to find your own drive, which I actually prefer," she added.

A weightlifter

Remarkable Fitness Improvements

In a similar case, Another individual, 23, based in Swansea, has been employing AI for his fitness and diet plans, and reported he has never felt stronger, increasing his chest press from 70kg to a much heavier load.

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

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

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

"I work out for about two hours a day and I've seen a noticeable change," he added.

The Cost Comparison: AI vs. Conventional Coaching

One recent survey in the previous year analyzed prices for 17 of the largest gym brands and found the average membership cost was approximately forty pounds a month, based on basic full-access plans.

Prices started at a lower price at the most affordable chain to £132 at the most expensive.

According to industry research, personal trainers determine their own fees, typically a range of thirty to sixty-five pounds per 45-60 minute session in most areas and about a similar range in London.

Customers will often use a trainer once or twice a week and collaborate for a few months, however these agreements are completely flexible.

Dafydd Judd

The Essential Personal Touch

Personal trainer Dafydd Judd, 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.

This expert, who has over a decade of experience as a coach, specialises in senior clients and injury rehabilitation. He said some of his trainees also use AI.

"In my opinion it's extremely useful, more knowledge is positive," he stated.

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

The trainer said AI can educate users and make guidance more efficient.

However, he argued true dedication comes when people appear in person for training.

"No matter how helpful as it is at 2am, a digital tool cannot ensure you show up at early morning before work," Dafydd concluded.

In the view of many, he said, the gym is a place to leave phones behind and take a break from technology.