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Leah Walsh

Following a festive period packed with indulgent treats and downtime, numerous individuals enter January looking to get their fitness back on track.

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

Tailored Plans and Flexible Timelines

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

This young woman hailing from Aberdare explained she liked the liberty to pose queries any time of day – something she believed was not possible with a personal trainer.

She relied on an AI-driven running app that gave her personalised plans with audio coaching and speed targets for her inaugural long-distance race in recent years.

She said she asked it to create a regimen combining running and the gym, and it generated an multi-week programme customized to her race date and objectives.

The user then adjusted the plan to suit her daily routine, which she described was highly practical.

The following year, she opted for a different tool because it was cheaper and she could ask it questions at any time. Her result was a full minute quicker than her goal time.

She said she did not want the pressure from a human personal trainer.

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

A weightlifter

Remarkable Fitness Improvements

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

Richard turned to a bot for assistance after being unable to run a race.

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

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

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

The Cost Contrast: AI vs. Traditional Coaching

One recent study in the previous year analyzed prices for numerous of the biggest gym brands and found the typical monthly fee was around £38 a month, for basic full-access plans.

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

Based on further data, fitness coaches set their own rates, typically £30-£65 per 45-60 minute appointment outside London and about a similar range in the capital.

Customers will often hire a trainer one or two times a week and collaborate for a few months, but these arrangements are often adaptable.

Dafydd Judd

The Essential Personal Touch

Personal trainer Dafydd Judd, based in Cardiff, said artificial intelligence can be useful to accelerate results, 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 recovery from injuries. He mentioned some of his clients also use technology.

"I think it's extremely useful, more knowledge is good," he stated.

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

Dafydd said AI can inform clients and make coaching more efficient.

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

"No matter how helpful as it is at the middle of the night, a digital tool won't keep you accountable at 7am before work," Dafydd added.

For many, he suggested, the fitness center is a space to disconnect from devices and take a break from technology.