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A runner

Following a festive period packed with rich foods and downtime, many people enter the new year aiming to get their fitness back on track.

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

Tailored Plans and Adaptable Schedules

One fitness enthusiast used an AI tool for last-minute preparation for the Cardiff Half Marathon.

This young woman from a town in Wales explained she appreciated the liberty to pose queries any time of day – a feature she believed was unavailable with a personal trainer.

Leah relied on an AI-driven fitness application that gave her customized schedules with audio coaching and pace setting for her inaugural half marathon in recent years.

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

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

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

She said she wanted to avoid the pressure from a live instructor.

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

Richard Gallimore

Remarkable Fitness Gains

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 reported he has never felt stronger, boosting his chest press from a lower weight to 110kg.

He turned to a bot for help after being forced to walk a running event.

"I just knew I need to sort myself out," he commented.

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

"I work out for about 120 minutes a day and I've seen a real difference," he added.

The Expense Contrast: Technology vs. Conventional Training

One recent study in the previous year analyzed prices for 17 of the biggest fitness chains and found the average membership cost was around £38 per month, based on standard memberships.

Prices ranged from £23 at the most affordable chain to a premium rate at the highest-priced.

According to further data, fitness coaches determine their own fees, typically £30-£65 per 45-60 minute appointment outside London and about a similar range in the capital.

Customers typically use a coach once or twice a week and work with them for a few months, however these arrangements are often adaptable.

A personal trainer

The Essential Personal Element

Fitness coach one experienced professional, based in Cardiff, acknowledged AI can be useful to accelerate results, but believes it will not supplant the human connection and accountability that in-person coaching provides.

The 37-year-old, who has over a decade of experience as a trainer, focuses on older adults and injury rehabilitation. He said some of his trainees also use AI.

"In my opinion it's very valuable, more knowledge is good," he said.

"I believe the more people are connected digitally the more they'll want human connection because they want the empathy from the understanding that is missing from a machine," he added.

The trainer said Artificial intelligence can inform clients and make guidance more effective.

However, he said real commitment comes when people show up physically for training.

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

In the view of many, he suggested, the gym is a space to leave phones behind and stop being glued to screens.