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Leah Walsh

Following a festive period filled with indulgent treats and relaxation, numerous individuals enter the new year aiming to regain their fitness momentum.

However, is it possible that AI be changing the fitness industry by providing an option to personal trainers?

Tailored Plans and Flexible Timelines

Leah Walsh employed an AI tool 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 believed was unavailable with a personal trainer.

Leah used an AI-driven fitness application that provided her customized schedules with voice guidance and speed targets for her first long-distance race in 2024.

She said she asked it to create a regimen merging cardio and the gym, and it produced an 11-week programme tailored to her event day and objectives.

The user then adjusted the plan to suit her daily routine, which she described 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 noted she wanted to avoid feeling pressure from a human personal trainer.

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

Richard Gallimore

Significant Strength Gains

Meanwhile, Richard Gallimore, 23, from a Welsh city, has been employing AI for his exercise and nutrition programs, and said he has achieved peak strength, increasing his bench press from 70kg to a much heavier load.

He turned to a AI assistant for assistance after being unable to run a race.

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

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

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

The Expense Comparison: Technology vs. Traditional Coaching

One 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, for basic full-access plans.

Fees ranged from £23 at the most affordable chain to £132 at the highest-priced.

According to further data, personal trainers set their own rates, typically £30-£65 per 45-60 minute session in most areas and about £45-£65 in London.

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

A personal trainer

The Irreplaceable Personal Touch

Fitness coach Dafydd Judd, from Cardiff, acknowledged AI can be beneficial to speed up progress, but is convinced it will never replace the personal interaction and accountability that live training offers.

This expert, who has over a decade of experience as a coach, specialises in senior clients and recovery from injuries. He said some of his trainees also use technology.

"I think it's extremely useful, more knowledge is positive," he said.

"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 explained AI can inform clients and make guidance more effective.

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

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

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