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A runner

After a festive period packed with indulgent treats and relaxation, many people enter the new year aiming to get their fitness back on track.

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

Tailored Plans and Flexible Timelines

Leah Walsh used an artificial intelligence application for impromptu preparation for the a major running event.

This young woman from a town in Wales said she appreciated the liberty to pose queries any time of day – a feature she felt was unavailable with a traditional coach.

Leah relied on an AI-powered running app that gave her personalised plans with voice guidance and pace setting for her inaugural long-distance race in recent years.

She explained she requested it to create a plan combining cardio and the weight training, and it generated an multi-week plan customized to her event day and goals.

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

Subsequently, she chose a different tool because it was cheaper and she could ask it questions whenever she wanted. Her result was a full minute quicker than her goal time.

She said she did not want feeling pressure from a human personal trainer.

"Using AI you have to motivate yourself, which I actually prefer," she remarked.

A weightlifter

Significant Strength Improvements

Meanwhile, Richard Gallimore, in his twenties, from a Welsh city, has been using AI for his fitness and diet plans, and said he has never felt stronger, boosting his chest press from a lower weight to 110kg.

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

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

The free tool constructed a workout and diet plan tailored to his goals, and established structured routines.

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

The Cost Comparison: AI vs. Conventional Training

One recent study in the previous year analyzed prices for 17 of the largest fitness chains and found the typical monthly fee was around £38 a month, for basic memberships.

Fees started at £23 at the cheapest chain to a premium rate at the most expensive.

Based on further data, fitness coaches set their own rates, typically a range of thirty to sixty-five pounds per hour-long appointment in most areas and about £45-£65 in London.

Customers typically hire a trainer one or two times a week and collaborate for a few months, however these agreements are completely flexible.

Dafydd Judd

The Irreplaceable Personal Element

Fitness coach one experienced professional, from Cardiff, acknowledged artificial intelligence can be beneficial to accelerate results, but is convinced it will never replace the human connection and accountability that live training offers.

This expert, who has over a decade of experience as a coach, focuses on older adults and recovery from injuries. He said some of his clients also use technology.

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

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

The trainer said AI can educate clients and make coaching more efficient.

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

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

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