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Leah Walsh

Following a holiday period packed with rich foods and downtime, many people enter the new year aiming to regain their fitness momentum.

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

Personalized Plans and Flexible Schedules

Leah Walsh employed an AI tool for last-minute training for the Cardiff Half Marathon.

This young woman from a town in Wales explained she liked the freedom to ask it questions any time of day – something she felt was not possible with a traditional coach.

She used an AI-driven running app that gave her personalised plans with audio coaching and pace setting for her first half marathon in 2024.

She said she requested it to create a plan merging cardio and the weight training, and it generated an 11-week programme tailored to her event day and objectives.

The user then tweaked the plan to suit her lifestyle, which she said was convenient.

Subsequently, she opted for a alternative application because it was cheaper and she could consult it at any time. Her result was a full minute quicker than her target finish.

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

"With AI you have to motivate yourself, which I actually prefer," she added.

Richard Gallimore

Significant Fitness Improvements

Meanwhile, Richard Gallimore, in his twenties, from Swansea, has been using AI for his exercise and nutrition programs, and reported he has never felt stronger, boosting his chest press from 70kg to 110kg.

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

"I realized I had to sort myself out," he said.

The free tool built a workout and diet plan personalized to his goals, and created structured routines.

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

The Cost Comparison: Technology vs. Conventional Coaching

A recent survey in the previous year analyzed prices for numerous of the largest fitness chains and found the average membership cost was approximately forty pounds a month, based on basic full-access plans.

Prices ranged from a lower price at the most affordable chain to a premium rate at the highest-priced.

According to further data, fitness coaches determine their own fees, usually a range of thirty to sixty-five pounds per hour-long appointment in most areas and about a similar range in London.

Clients will often hire a trainer once or twice a week and work with them for a short period, but these agreements are often adaptable.

A personal trainer

The Essential Human Touch

Personal trainer Dafydd Judd, from Cardiff, said AI can be useful to accelerate results, but is convinced it will never replace the human connection and accountability that live training provides.

The 37-year-old, who has over a decade of experience as a trainer, specialises in senior clients and injury rehabilitation. He said a number of his trainees also use AI.

"In my opinion it's very valuable, additional information is positive," he said.

"I believe the more that people are online the more they'll desire personal contact because they crave the empathy from the comprehension that is absent from a machine," he added.

Dafydd explained AI can educate clients and make guidance more efficient.

However, he said real commitment comes when people appear physically for their sessions.

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

For many, he said, the gym is a space to disconnect from devices and take a break from technology.