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Leah Walsh

Following a holiday period filled with rich foods and relaxation, many people enter January aiming to get their fitness back on track.

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

Tailored Plans and Adaptable Schedules

Leah Walsh employed an AI tool for last-minute preparation for the Cardiff Half Marathon.

This young woman from Aberdare said she liked the freedom to pose queries at all hours – something she believed was unavailable with a traditional coach.

She relied on an AI-driven fitness application that provided her customized schedules with audio coaching and pace setting for her inaugural half marathon in recent years.

She said she asked it to design a plan combining running and the weight training, and it produced an 11-week programme tailored to her race date and goals.

Leah then tweaked the schedule to fit her daily routine, which she said was convenient.

The following year, she opted for a alternative application because it was more affordable and she could consult it whenever she wanted. Her result was a full minute quicker than her target finish.

She said she did not want feeling pressure from a human personal trainer.

"With AI you have to find your own drive, which I actually prefer," she added.

A weightlifter

Significant Strength Improvements

Meanwhile, Richard Gallimore, 23, from 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 AI assistant for assistance after being unable to run a race.

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

The free tool constructed a fitness and meal program personalized to his goals, and established structured routines.

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

The Cost Contrast: Technology vs. Conventional Training

A recent survey in the previous year analyzed costs for numerous of the largest fitness chains and found the average membership cost was around £38 a month, based on basic memberships.

Prices ranged from a lower price at the most affordable chain to a premium rate at the most expensive.

Based on industry research, personal trainers determine their own fees, typically £30-£65 per 45-60 minute appointment outside London and about a similar range in London.

Clients typically hire a trainer one or two times a week and collaborate for a short period, however these agreements are completely flexible.

A personal trainer

The Irreplaceable Human Element

Personal trainer one experienced professional, from the Welsh capital, said artificial intelligence can be beneficial to speed up progress, but believes it will never replace the human connection and accountability that in-person coaching offers.

This expert, who has 12 years experience as a coach, specialises in older adults and injury rehabilitation. He mentioned a number of his trainees also use technology.

"I think it's extremely useful, more knowledge is good," he said.

"I think the more people are connected digitally the more they'll want personal contact because they want the empathy from the comprehension that is missing from a machine," he added.

Dafydd explained Artificial intelligence can educate clients and make guidance more effective.

But, he argued real commitment comes when people appear in person for training.

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

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