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A runner

Following a holiday period filled with indulgent treats and relaxation, many people enter January looking to regain their fitness momentum.

However, is it possible that Artificial Intelligence be changing the fitness industry by offering an option to human coaches?

Personalized Plans and Flexible Schedules

Leah Walsh employed an artificial intelligence application for impromptu training for the Cardiff Half Marathon.

This young woman hailing from Aberdare said she appreciated the freedom to pose queries at all hours – a feature she felt was not possible with a traditional coach.

She used an AI-powered running app that gave her personalised plans with voice guidance and pace setting for her first long-distance race in recent years.

She explained she asked it to design a regimen merging cardio and the weight training, and it generated an multi-week plan customized to her event day and goals.

The user then adjusted the schedule to fit her daily routine, which she said was convenient.

Subsequently, she opted for a different tool because it was more affordable and she could consult it whenever she wanted. She finished a full minute quicker than her goal time.

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

"Using artificial intelligence you have to motivate yourself, which I actually prefer," she added.

A weightlifter

Significant Fitness Improvements

In a similar case, Another individual, in his twenties, from Swansea, has been employing artificial intelligence for his exercise and nutrition programs, and said he has achieved peak strength, boosting his chest press from 70kg to 110kg.

Richard resorted to a bot for help after being unable to run a race.

"I just knew I had to sort myself out," he said.

This no-cost application built a fitness and meal program personalized to his goals, and created organized workouts.

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

The Expense Contrast: Technology vs. Traditional Coaching

One recent study in the previous year compared prices for numerous of the largest gym brands and found the typical monthly fee was around £38 a month, based on standard full-access plans.

Prices ranged from a lower price at the cheapest chain to £132 at the highest-priced.

Based on industry research, personal trainers set their own rates, usually a range of thirty to sixty-five pounds per 45-60 minute session in most areas and about £45-£65 in the capital.

Customers typically hire a coach one or two times a week and work with them for a few months, but these agreements are often adaptable.

A personal trainer

The Essential Human Element

Personal trainer one experienced professional, from the Welsh capital, said AI can be beneficial to speed up progress, but is convinced it will not supplant the human connection and responsibility that in-person coaching offers.

The 37-year-old, who has over a decade of experience as a coach, focuses on older adults and recovery from injuries. He said some of his trainees also employ AI.

"In my opinion it's extremely useful, additional information is good," he stated.

"I think the more 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 users and make guidance more efficient.

However, he said true dedication comes when people appear in person for training.

"As useful as it is at the middle of the night, a digital tool cannot ensure you show up at 7am before work," he concluded.

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