🔗 Share this article

Leah Walsh

After a holiday period filled with indulgent treats and downtime, many people head into the new year aiming to regain their fitness momentum.

However, is it possible that Artificial Intelligence be transforming the fitness industry by providing an option to human coaches?

Tailored Programs and Flexible Schedules

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

This young woman from a town in Wales explained she appreciated the freedom to pose queries at all hours – a feature she believed was unavailable with a personal trainer.

Leah relied on an AI-driven running app that gave her customized schedules with audio coaching and pace setting for her first long-distance race in recent years.

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

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

Subsequently, she opted for a different tool because it was cheaper and she could ask it questions at any time. She finished a full minute quicker than her goal time.

She said she wanted to avoid feeling pressure from a live instructor.

"With artificial intelligence you have to motivate yourself, which I actually prefer," she added.

Richard Gallimore

Remarkable Fitness Improvements

In a similar case, Richard Gallimore, 23, based in Swansea, has been employing AI for his fitness and diet plans, and said he has achieved peak strength, boosting his chest press from a lower weight to a much heavier load.

He resorted to a AI assistant for help after being forced to walk a race.

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

This no-cost application built a fitness and meal program personalized to his goals, and established organized workouts.

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

The Cost Comparison: Technology vs. Traditional Training

A recent study in the previous year compared costs for numerous of the largest fitness chains and found the typical monthly fee was around £38 per month, for standard full-access plans.

Prices ranged from £23 at the most affordable provider to £132 at the highest-priced.

Based on further data, personal trainers determine their own fees, typically £30-£65 per 45-60 minute appointment in most areas and about £45-£65 in London.

Customers will often use a coach once or twice a week and collaborate for a short period, however these agreements are often adaptable.

Dafydd Judd

The Irreplaceable Human Element

Personal trainer Dafydd Judd, from the Welsh capital, said artificial intelligence can be beneficial to accelerate results, but believes it will not supplant the human connection and responsibility that in-person coaching offers.

The 37-year-old, who has 12 years experience as a coach, focuses on senior clients and injury rehabilitation. He said a number of his clients also employ technology.

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

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

Dafydd said Artificial intelligence can educate users and make guidance more effective.

But, he said true dedication comes when people show up in person for their sessions.

"As useful as it is at the middle of the night, a computer cannot ensure you show up at early morning before work," Dafydd concluded.

For many, he suggested, the gym is a place to leave phones behind and stop being glued to screens.