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Leah Walsh

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

But, is it possible that Artificial Intelligence be transforming the fitness industry by offering an alternative to human coaches?

Tailored Plans and Flexible Schedules

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

This young woman hailing from Aberdare said she appreciated the liberty to pose queries any time of day – something she believed was not possible 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 inaugural half marathon in 2024.

She explained she requested it to create a regimen merging cardio and the gym, and it generated an 11-week plan tailored to her event day and objectives.

The user then tweaked the plan to fit her lifestyle, which she said was convenient.

Subsequently, she chose a different tool because it was more affordable and she could ask it questions at any time. She finished a minute faster than her goal time.

She said she did not want the pressure from a live instructor.

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

A weightlifter

Significant Fitness Gains

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

He resorted to a AI assistant for assistance after being unable to run a running event.

"I just knew I need to sort myself out," he commented.

This no-cost application built a workout and diet plan tailored to his goals, and created organized workouts.

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

The Expense Contrast: Technology vs. Traditional Coaching

A recent survey in the previous year compared prices for 17 of the biggest fitness chains and found the average membership cost was approximately forty pounds per month, for standard full-access plans.

Fees started at a lower price at the cheapest provider to a premium rate at the highest-priced.

Based on industry research, fitness coaches determine their own fees, usually a range of thirty to sixty-five pounds per hour-long appointment outside London and about £45-£65 in the capital.

Customers typically hire a coach once or twice a week and work with them for a few months, however these agreements are often adaptable.

Dafydd Judd

The Essential Personal Touch

Personal trainer Dafydd Judd, based in Cardiff, acknowledged artificial intelligence can be useful to speed up progress, but is convinced it will not supplant the personal interaction and accountability that in-person coaching offers.

This expert, who has over a decade of experience as a trainer, specialises in senior clients and injury rehabilitation. He mentioned a number of his trainees also employ AI.

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

"I think the more that people are online the more they'll desire human connection because they want the empathy from the understanding that is absent from a computer," he added.

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

But, he argued real commitment comes when people appear 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," he added.

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