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Leah Walsh

After a festive period filled with indulgent treats and relaxation, many people enter January looking to get their fitness back on track.

However, is it possible that AI be changing the fitness industry by offering an option to personal trainers?

Tailored Programs and Flexible Schedules

Leah Walsh employed an artificial intelligence application for last-minute preparation for the Cardiff Half Marathon.

This young woman from a town in Wales said she liked the freedom to pose queries at all hours – a feature she believed was unavailable with a traditional coach.

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

She said she requested it to create a plan combining cardio and the weight training, and it produced an 11-week plan tailored to her event day and goals.

Leah then adjusted the plan to suit her lifestyle, which she described was highly practical.

The following year, she opted for a alternative application because it was more affordable and she could ask it questions whenever she wanted. She finished a minute faster than her target finish.

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

"Using AI you have to find your own drive, which I actually prefer," she remarked.

A weightlifter

Significant Strength Improvements

In a similar case, Another individual, 23, from Swansea, has been employing AI for his exercise and nutrition programs, and said he has never felt stronger, increasing his chest press from a lower weight to a much heavier load.

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

"I realized I had to get myself in shape," he said.

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

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

The Expense Comparison: Technology vs. Traditional Training

One recent survey in the previous year compared costs for 17 of the biggest fitness chains 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 most affordable provider to £132 at the most expensive.

According to industry research, personal trainers determine their own fees, usually £30-£65 per hour-long session in most areas and about a similar range in London.

Customers will often use a trainer one or two times a week and collaborate for a short period, however these agreements are often adaptable.

A personal trainer

The Essential Personal Element

Fitness coach Dafydd Judd, from Cardiff, acknowledged AI can be beneficial to speed up progress, but is convinced it will not supplant the personal interaction and accountability that live training provides.

This expert, who has 12 years experience as a coach, focuses on senior clients and recovery from injuries. He mentioned a number of his trainees also employ technology.

"I think it's very valuable, additional information is good," he said.

"I believe the more people are online the more they'll desire human connection because they crave the warmth from the understanding that is absent from a machine," he continued.

The trainer explained AI can inform clients and make coaching more efficient.

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

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

In the view of many, he said, the gym is a place to leave phones behind and take a break from technology.