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Leah Walsh

After a festive period packed with rich foods and downtime, many people enter January aiming to get their fitness back on track.

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

Tailored Plans and Adaptable Timelines

One fitness enthusiast used an artificial intelligence application for last-minute training for the Cardiff Half Marathon.

This young woman hailing from a town in Wales explained she appreciated the liberty to ask it questions at all hours – something she felt was not possible with a personal trainer.

Leah relied on an AI-driven running app that gave her personalised plans with audio coaching and speed targets for her first half marathon in recent years.

She said she asked it to design a regimen combining running and the weight training, and it produced an multi-week plan tailored to her event day and objectives.

The user then tweaked the plan to suit her lifestyle, which she said was highly practical.

The following year, she chose a alternative application because it was cheaper and she could consult it whenever she wanted. She finished a full minute quicker than her target finish.

She noted she wanted to avoid the pressure from a live instructor.

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

A weightlifter

Significant Fitness Improvements

In a similar case, Richard Gallimore, in his twenties, from Swansea, has been using AI for his fitness and diet plans, and reported he has achieved peak strength, boosting his bench press from 70kg to a much heavier load.

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

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

The free tool built a fitness and meal program personalized to his aims, and created structured routines.

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

The Cost Comparison: Technology vs. Traditional Training

One recent survey in the previous year analyzed costs for numerous of the biggest fitness chains and found the typical monthly fee was approximately forty pounds a month, for basic memberships.

Prices ranged from £23 at the cheapest chain to a premium rate at the most expensive.

Based on industry research, fitness coaches determine their own fees, usually £30-£65 per hour-long appointment in most areas and about £45-£65 in London.

Clients will often use a trainer once or twice a week and collaborate for a short period, but these arrangements are often adaptable.

Dafydd Judd

The Irreplaceable Personal Element

Personal trainer Dafydd Judd, based in Cardiff, said AI can be useful to speed up progress, but believes it will never replace the personal interaction and accountability that in-person coaching offers.

This expert, who has 12 years experience as a coach, focuses on older adults and injury rehabilitation. He said some of his clients also use technology.

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

"I think the more that people are connected digitally the more they'll desire personal contact because they want the warmth from the comprehension that is absent from a computer," he added.

Dafydd explained AI can inform users and make guidance more effective.

However, he argued real commitment comes when people appear in person for their sessions.

"No matter how helpful as it is at the middle of the night, a digital tool won't keep you accountable at early morning before work," Dafydd concluded.

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