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Leah Walsh

After a festive period packed with rich foods and downtime, many people head into the new year aiming to get their fitness back on track.

However, could Artificial Intelligence be changing the fitness industry by providing an option to human coaches?

Personalized Plans and Adaptable Schedules

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

This young woman from Aberdare said she appreciated the freedom to ask it questions at all hours – something she believed was unavailable with a personal trainer.

She used an AI-driven running app that gave her personalised plans with audio coaching and pace setting for her inaugural half marathon in 2024.

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

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

Subsequently, she chose a alternative application 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 the pressure from a human personal trainer.

"With artificial intelligence you have to find your own drive, which I quite like," she remarked.

Richard Gallimore

Significant Strength Gains

Meanwhile, Another individual, in his twenties, from a Welsh city, has been employing artificial intelligence for his exercise and nutrition programs, and said he has never felt stronger, boosting his chest press from a lower weight to a much heavier load.

Richard turned to a AI assistant for help after being forced to walk a race.

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

This no-cost application built a workout and diet plan personalized to his goals, and established structured routines.

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

The Cost Comparison: Technology vs. Traditional Coaching

One recent study in the previous year analyzed prices for 17 of the largest fitness chains and found the average membership cost was approximately forty pounds per month, based on basic full-access plans.

Fees ranged from £23 at the cheapest chain to £132 at the highest-priced.

According to further data, fitness coaches set their own rates, usually a range of thirty to sixty-five pounds per hour-long appointment outside London and about £45-£65 in London.

Customers will often use a coach one or two times a week and work with them for a few months, but these arrangements are completely flexible.

A personal trainer

The Irreplaceable Personal Element

Personal trainer Dafydd Judd, based in Cardiff, acknowledged artificial intelligence can be beneficial to accelerate results, but is convinced it will not supplant the human connection and accountability that live training offers.

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

"I think it's very valuable, additional information is good," he stated.

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

The trainer explained Artificial intelligence can educate users and make coaching more efficient.

However, he said real commitment comes when people show up physically for training.

"As useful as it is at 2am, a digital tool cannot ensure you show up at 7am before work," Dafydd concluded.

For many, he said, the fitness center is a place to leave phones behind and take a break from technology.