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A runner

Following a festive period packed with indulgent treats and downtime, numerous individuals enter the new year looking to regain their fitness momentum.

But, could AI be changing the fitness industry by providing an alternative to human coaches?

Personalized Programs and Flexible Schedules

One fitness enthusiast used an artificial intelligence application for last-minute training for the a major running event.

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

Leah relied on an AI-powered fitness application that gave her personalised plans with audio coaching and speed targets for her first long-distance race in 2024.

She explained she requested it to create a regimen combining cardio and the weight training, and it produced an multi-week plan tailored to her race date and goals.

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

Subsequently, she chose a alternative application because it was cheaper and she could ask it questions whenever she wanted. Her result was a full minute quicker than her goal time.

She noted she wanted to avoid feeling pressure from a human personal trainer.

"Using artificial intelligence you have to find your own drive, which I quite like," she added.

A weightlifter

Significant Fitness Improvements

In a similar case, Another individual, in his twenties, based in a Welsh city, has been employing AI for his exercise and nutrition programs, and said he has never felt stronger, boosting his bench press from 70kg to 110kg.

He turned to a AI assistant for help after being forced to walk a race.

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

The free tool constructed a fitness and meal program personalized to his aims, and created organized workouts.

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

The Cost Contrast: Technology vs. Conventional Training

A recent survey in the previous year compared costs for 17 of the largest gym brands and found the typical monthly fee was approximately forty pounds per month, for basic memberships.

Fees started at a lower price at the most affordable provider to £132 at the highest-priced.

Based on industry research, fitness coaches determine their own fees, typically a range of thirty to sixty-five pounds per hour-long session outside London and about £45-£65 in London.

Customers typically hire a coach once or twice a week and collaborate for a few months, however these agreements are completely flexible.

A personal trainer

The Irreplaceable Personal Touch

Fitness coach one experienced professional, from the Welsh capital, acknowledged AI can be beneficial to accelerate results, but is convinced it will not supplant the personal interaction and responsibility that live training provides.

This expert, who has over a decade of experience as a coach, focuses on senior clients and recovery from injuries. He mentioned some of his clients also employ technology.

"I think it's very valuable, 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 empathy from the comprehension that is missing from a computer," he added.

The trainer said Artificial intelligence can inform users and make guidance more efficient.

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

"As useful as it is at the middle of the night, a computer won't keep you accountable at early morning before work," he added.

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