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Leah Walsh

After a holiday period filled with rich foods and relaxation, numerous individuals head into the new year looking to get their fitness back on track.

But, could AI be transforming the fitness industry by providing an alternative to personal trainers?

Tailored Plans and Flexible Timelines

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

The 21-year-old from a town in Wales said she appreciated the freedom to ask it questions at all hours – a feature she felt was not possible with a traditional coach.

She relied on an AI-driven running app that provided her personalised plans with audio coaching and speed targets for her inaugural long-distance race in 2024.

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

Leah then tweaked the schedule to suit her daily routine, which she described was highly practical.

Subsequently, she opted for a alternative application because it was cheaper and she could consult it whenever she wanted. Her result was a minute faster than her goal time.

She noted she did not want feeling pressure from a live instructor.

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

A weightlifter

Remarkable Strength Gains

Meanwhile, Richard Gallimore, in his twenties, from a Welsh city, has been using artificial intelligence for his fitness and diet plans, and said he has achieved peak strength, increasing his bench press from 70kg to 110kg.

Richard turned to a bot for assistance after being forced to walk a running event.

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

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

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

The Cost Contrast: Technology vs. Traditional Coaching

A recent survey in the previous year analyzed prices for numerous of the largest fitness chains and found the average membership cost was around £38 per month, based on standard full-access plans.

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

According to industry research, fitness coaches set their own rates, usually £30-£65 per hour-long appointment in most areas and about £45-£65 in the capital.

Customers will often use a coach one or two times a week and collaborate for a few months, but these agreements are often adaptable.

A personal trainer

The Irreplaceable Personal Element

Fitness coach Dafydd Judd, from Cardiff, acknowledged artificial intelligence can be beneficial to accelerate results, but believes it will never replace the human connection and accountability that live training offers.

The 37-year-old, who has 12 years experience as a trainer, focuses on older adults and recovery from injuries. He said a number of his trainees also use AI.

"I think it's extremely useful, additional information is positive," he said.

"I believe the more that people are online the more they'll desire human connection because they want the warmth from the understanding that is missing from a computer," he continued.

The trainer explained AI can inform users and make guidance more efficient.

However, he argued true dedication comes when people show up physically for their sessions.

"No matter how helpful as it is at the middle of the night, a digital tool cannot ensure you show up at 7am before work," he added.

For many, he suggested, the gym is a space to disconnect from devices and take a break from technology.