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Leah Walsh

After a festive period filled with rich foods and relaxation, numerous individuals head into January aiming to regain their fitness momentum.

But, could AI be transforming the fitness industry by providing an option to personal trainers?

Tailored Programs and Adaptable Timelines

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

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

Leah relied on an AI-driven fitness application that provided her customized schedules with audio coaching and pace setting for her inaugural long-distance race in 2024.

She said she requested it to create a regimen combining cardio and the gym, and it produced an 11-week plan customized to her race date and goals.

Leah then tweaked the plan to suit her daily routine, which she said was highly practical.

The following year, she opted for a different tool because it was more affordable and she could consult it at any time. Her result was a minute faster than her target finish.

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

"Using AI you have to find your own drive, which I quite like," she remarked.

A weightlifter

Significant Fitness Improvements

Meanwhile, Richard Gallimore, in his twenties, based in Swansea, has been employing AI for his fitness and diet plans, and said he has achieved peak strength, increasing his chest press from 70kg to 110kg.

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

"I realized I had to get myself in shape," he said.

This no-cost application constructed a fitness and meal program tailored to his aims, and established organized workouts.

"I work out for about 120 minutes a day and I've seen a real difference," he added.

The Expense Contrast: AI vs. Traditional Coaching

A recent survey in the previous year compared costs for 17 of the biggest fitness chains and found the average membership cost was around £38 per month, based on basic full-access plans.

Fees started at £23 at the most affordable provider to £132 at the most expensive.

Based on further data, personal trainers determine their own fees, usually a range of thirty to sixty-five pounds per 45-60 minute session outside London and about a similar range in London.

Clients typically hire a coach once or twice a week and work with them for a short period, but these agreements are completely flexible.

Dafydd Judd

The Irreplaceable Human Touch

Fitness coach Dafydd Judd, from the Welsh capital, said AI can be beneficial to accelerate results, but believes it will not supplant the human connection and responsibility that in-person coaching provides.

The 37-year-old, who has 12 years experience as a coach, focuses on older adults and recovery from injuries. He mentioned a number of his trainees also employ technology.

"I think it's extremely useful, additional information is good," he said.

"I believe the more people are connected digitally the more they'll desire personal contact because they crave the warmth from the comprehension that is missing from a machine," he added.

Dafydd explained Artificial intelligence can inform clients and make coaching more effective.

However, he said real commitment comes when people show up in person for training.

"As useful as it is at the middle of the night, a computer won't keep you accountable at 7am before work," Dafydd concluded.

For many, he said, the gym is a space to disconnect from devices and take a break from technology.