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Leah Walsh

After a festive period packed with indulgent treats and downtime, many people head into January looking to regain their fitness momentum.

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

Tailored Programs and Flexible Timelines

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

This young woman from Aberdare said she liked the freedom to pose queries any time of day – something she felt was not possible with a traditional coach.

Leah used an AI-driven fitness application that gave her personalised plans with voice guidance and speed targets for her inaugural long-distance race in 2024.

She said she requested it to design a regimen merging cardio and the gym, and it generated an multi-week programme customized to her event day and goals.

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

The following year, she opted for a alternative application because it was cheaper and she could consult it at any time. She finished a full minute quicker than her target finish.

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

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

A weightlifter

Significant Strength Gains

In a similar case, Another individual, 23, based in Swansea, has been employing AI for his exercise and nutrition programs, and reported he has achieved peak strength, increasing his chest press from 70kg to 110kg.

Richard 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 tailored to his goals, and created organized workouts.

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

The Expense Comparison: Technology vs. Conventional Coaching

One recent survey in the previous year analyzed costs for 17 of the biggest fitness chains and found the average membership cost was approximately forty pounds a month, for basic memberships.

Prices started at a lower price at the cheapest provider to £132 at the most expensive.

Based on industry research, personal trainers determine their own fees, usually £30-£65 per hour-long appointment in most areas and about a similar range in London.

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

A personal trainer

The Essential Personal Touch

Fitness coach one experienced professional, based in the Welsh capital, said AI can be useful to speed up progress, but is convinced it will not supplant the human connection and responsibility that live training offers.

The 37-year-old, who has over a decade of experience as a coach, focuses on older adults and injury rehabilitation. He mentioned a number of his clients also use technology.

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

"I believe the more people are connected digitally the more they'll want human connection because they want the empathy from the comprehension that is missing from a computer," he continued.

The trainer explained Artificial intelligence can inform clients and make coaching more efficient.

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

"As useful as it is at 2am, a digital tool won't keep you accountable at early morning before work," he concluded.

In the view of many, he said, the gym is a space to leave phones behind and stop being glued to screens.