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A runner

Following a holiday period filled with rich foods and relaxation, many people enter January looking to get their fitness back on track.

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

Personalized Plans and Flexible Timelines

One fitness enthusiast used an AI tool for impromptu training for the Cardiff Half Marathon.

The 21-year-old hailing from Aberdare said she liked the liberty to ask it questions any time of day – a feature she felt was not possible with a traditional coach.

She relied on an AI-driven fitness application that provided her personalised plans with audio coaching and pace setting for her first half marathon in 2024.

She said she requested it to design a regimen merging running and the weight training, and it produced an 11-week plan customized to her race date and objectives.

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

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

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

"Using artificial intelligence you have to motivate yourself, which I quite like," she added.

Richard Gallimore

Significant Fitness Gains

Meanwhile, Richard Gallimore, 23, based in a Welsh city, has been employing AI for his exercise and nutrition programs, and reported he has never felt stronger, boosting his bench press from 70kg to a much heavier load.

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

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

This no-cost application built a fitness and meal program tailored to his aims, and established structured routines.

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

The Expense Comparison: AI vs. Conventional Coaching

A recent study in the previous year analyzed costs for numerous of the biggest gym brands and found the average membership cost was around £38 a month, for standard memberships.

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

According to industry research, personal trainers set their own rates, typically £30-£65 per hour-long session in most areas and about a similar range in London.

Clients typically use a trainer one or two times a week and work with them for a few months, however these agreements are often adaptable.

A personal trainer

The Essential Human Element

Fitness coach Dafydd Judd, from Cardiff, said AI can be beneficial to speed up progress, but believes it will not supplant the personal interaction and responsibility that in-person coaching provides.

This expert, who has 12 years experience as a trainer, specialises in senior clients and recovery from injuries. He mentioned a number of his trainees also use technology.

"In my opinion it's extremely useful, more knowledge is good," he said.

"I think the more that people are online the more they'll want personal contact because they crave the warmth from the comprehension that is absent from a machine," he continued.

The trainer explained Artificial intelligence can educate clients and make coaching more efficient.

But, he argued true dedication comes when people show up in person for their sessions.

"As useful as it is at 2am, a computer cannot ensure you show up at early morning before work," he concluded.

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