🔗 Share this article

Leah Walsh

Following a festive period packed with indulgent treats and downtime, numerous individuals head into January aiming to regain their fitness momentum.

But, could AI be changing the fitness industry by offering an alternative to personal trainers?

Tailored Plans and Adaptable Schedules

Leah Walsh used an artificial intelligence application for last-minute preparation for the a major running event.

The 21-year-old hailing from a town in Wales said she liked the liberty to ask it questions any time of day – something she felt was unavailable with a personal trainer.

Leah relied on an AI-powered fitness application that provided her customized schedules with voice guidance and speed targets for her first long-distance race in 2024.

She said she asked it to design a regimen combining cardio and the gym, and it produced an multi-week plan customized to her event day and goals.

The user then adjusted the plan to fit her lifestyle, which she described was convenient.

The following year, she chose a alternative application because it was cheaper and she could ask it questions at any time. She finished a full minute quicker than her target finish.

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

"Using artificial intelligence you have to motivate yourself, which I actually prefer," she remarked.

Richard Gallimore

Remarkable Strength Gains

Meanwhile, Richard Gallimore, in his twenties, based in a Welsh city, has been using artificial intelligence for his exercise and nutrition programs, and reported he has achieved peak strength, boosting his bench press from a lower weight to 110kg.

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

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

The free tool built 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 real difference," he added.

The Expense Comparison: Technology vs. Conventional Coaching

One recent survey in the previous year analyzed costs for numerous of the biggest gym brands and found the average membership cost was approximately forty pounds per month, for basic full-access plans.

Prices started at a lower price at the cheapest chain to £132 at the most expensive.

According to industry research, personal trainers determine their own fees, typically £30-£65 per hour-long appointment outside London and about £45-£65 in the capital.

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

Dafydd Judd

The Essential Human Touch

Fitness coach one experienced professional, from the Welsh capital, acknowledged artificial intelligence can be beneficial to speed up progress, but believes it will not supplant the personal interaction and responsibility that live training provides.

This expert, who has over a decade of experience as a trainer, focuses on older adults and injury rehabilitation. He said some of his trainees also employ AI.

"In my opinion it's extremely useful, additional information is good," he stated.

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

Dafydd explained Artificial intelligence can educate clients and make coaching more efficient.

However, he said true dedication comes when people appear in person for training.

"As useful as it is at 2am, a computer cannot ensure you show up at early morning before work," he concluded.

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