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Leah Walsh

After a holiday period packed with indulgent treats and downtime, numerous individuals enter the new year aiming to get their fitness back on track.

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

Personalized Programs and Flexible Schedules

Leah Walsh used an artificial intelligence application for last-minute training for the Cardiff Half Marathon.

The 21-year-old hailing from a town in Wales said she liked the freedom to ask it questions any time of day – something she felt was not possible with a personal trainer.

She relied on an AI-driven fitness application that provided her customized schedules with audio coaching and pace setting for her first long-distance race in 2024.

She explained she asked it to design a plan merging cardio and the weight training, and it produced an 11-week plan tailored to her event day and goals.

Leah then tweaked the plan to fit her lifestyle, which she described was highly practical.

Subsequently, she opted for a different tool because it was more affordable and she could consult it at any time. She finished a minute faster than her target finish.

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

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

Richard Gallimore

Remarkable Fitness Improvements

In a similar case, Richard Gallimore, 23, based in Swansea, has been using artificial intelligence for his fitness and diet plans, and reported he has never felt stronger, boosting his bench press from 70kg to 110kg.

He turned to a bot for help after being unable to run a race.

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

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

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

The Expense Contrast: Technology vs. Conventional Training

A recent survey in the previous year analyzed prices for numerous of the largest fitness chains and found the typical monthly fee was around £38 per month, for standard full-access plans.

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

Based on further data, fitness coaches set their own rates, typically a range of thirty to sixty-five pounds per 45-60 minute appointment in most areas and about £45-£65 in the capital.

Customers will often hire a coach one or two times a week and work with them for a few months, but these agreements are often adaptable.

A personal trainer

The Essential Human Element

Fitness coach one experienced professional, based in Cardiff, said artificial intelligence can be useful to accelerate results, but believes it will never replace the personal interaction and accountability that live training offers.

The 37-year-old, who has 12 years experience as a trainer, focuses on senior clients and injury rehabilitation. He said a number of his trainees also use technology.

"I think it's very valuable, more knowledge is positive," he said.

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

Dafydd said AI can inform users and make guidance more efficient.

But, he said real commitment comes when people show up physically for their sessions.

"As useful as it is at 2am, a computer cannot ensure you show up at early morning before work," he concluded.

In the view of many, he said, the gym is a place to disconnect from devices and take a break from technology.