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Leah Walsh

Following a holiday period packed with rich foods and relaxation, many people head into the new year looking to regain their fitness momentum.

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

Tailored Plans and Adaptable Timelines

One fitness enthusiast used an AI tool for last-minute preparation for the a major running event.

This young woman hailing from Aberdare explained she appreciated the liberty to ask it questions any time of day – a feature she felt was unavailable with a traditional coach.

Leah relied on an AI-powered fitness application that gave her personalised plans with voice guidance and pace setting for her first long-distance race in 2024.

She explained she requested it to design a regimen merging running and the weight training, and it generated an multi-week plan customized to her race date and objectives.

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

The following year, she opted for a different tool because it was more affordable and she could ask it questions whenever she wanted. She finished a minute faster than her goal time.

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

"Using AI you have to motivate yourself, which I quite like," she remarked.

A weightlifter

Significant Strength Improvements

In a similar case, Richard Gallimore, 23, based in Swansea, has been using artificial intelligence for his exercise and nutrition programs, and reported he has achieved peak strength, boosting his bench press from 70kg to 110kg.

He resorted to a AI assistant for assistance after being forced to walk a running event.

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

This no-cost application built a fitness and meal program tailored to his goals, and created structured routines.

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

The Expense Comparison: AI vs. Traditional Training

One recent survey in the previous year analyzed costs for numerous of the largest gym brands and found the typical monthly fee was approximately forty pounds a month, based on standard full-access plans.

Fees ranged from a lower price at the most affordable chain to a premium rate at the most expensive.

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

Customers will often use a coach one or two times a week and work with them for a short period, but these agreements are often adaptable.

Dafydd Judd

The Irreplaceable Human Touch

Personal trainer Dafydd Judd, based in the Welsh capital, said AI can be useful to accelerate results, but is convinced it will never replace the human connection and responsibility that live training offers.

The 37-year-old, who has 12 years experience as a trainer, specialises in senior clients and recovery from injuries. He said some of his clients also employ technology.

"In my opinion it's very valuable, more knowledge is positive," he said.

"I believe the more people are online the more they'll want personal contact because they want the empathy from the comprehension that is absent from a machine," he added.

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

However, he argued real commitment comes when people show up physically for their sessions.

"No matter how helpful as it is at 2am, a computer cannot ensure you show up at 7am before work," he concluded.

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