🔗 Share this article

Leah Walsh

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

But, could Artificial Intelligence be changing the fitness industry by offering an option to human coaches?

Tailored Programs and Flexible Timelines

Leah Walsh used an artificial intelligence application for last-minute training for the a major running event.

The 21-year-old hailing from a town in Wales explained she liked the freedom to pose queries any time of day – a feature she believed was unavailable with a traditional coach.

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

She said she requested it to design a plan merging running and the gym, and it generated an 11-week plan tailored to her race date and objectives.

Leah then tweaked the schedule to suit her daily routine, which she said was convenient.

Subsequently, she chose a alternative application because it was more affordable and she could consult it at any time. She finished a minute faster than her goal time.

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

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

Richard Gallimore

Remarkable Strength Improvements

In a similar case, Another individual, in his twenties, from Swansea, has been employing artificial intelligence for his exercise and nutrition programs, and reported he has achieved peak strength, boosting his chest press from 70kg to a much heavier load.

Richard resorted to a AI assistant for assistance after being forced to walk a race.

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

This no-cost application constructed a workout and diet plan personalized to his aims, and created structured routines.

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

The Cost Comparison: Technology vs. Traditional Coaching

One recent study in the previous year compared costs for 17 of the largest gym brands and found the average membership cost was around £38 per month, for standard memberships.

Prices started at a lower price at the cheapest chain to £132 at the most expensive.

According to industry research, personal trainers determine their own fees, typically £30-£65 per 45-60 minute session in most areas and about £45-£65 in the capital.

Clients will often hire a trainer once or twice a week and work with them for a short period, but these arrangements are often adaptable.

A personal trainer

The Irreplaceable Personal Touch

Personal trainer Dafydd Judd, based in the Welsh capital, acknowledged artificial intelligence can be beneficial to speed up progress, but is convinced it will never replace the human connection and accountability that in-person coaching provides.

This expert, who has over a decade of experience as a trainer, specialises in older adults and injury rehabilitation. He said a number of his clients also employ technology.

"In my opinion it's extremely useful, additional information is positive," he said.

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

Dafydd explained Artificial intelligence can inform users and make coaching more efficient.

However, he said true dedication comes when people appear physically for their sessions.

"As useful as it is at 2am, a computer won't keep you accountable at early morning before work," he added.

For many, he suggested, the gym is a place to disconnect from devices and stop being glued to screens.