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Leah Walsh

Following a holiday period packed with indulgent treats and relaxation, numerous individuals head into January looking to regain their fitness momentum.

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

Tailored Programs and Flexible Schedules

Leah Walsh used an artificial intelligence application for last-minute training for the Cardiff Half Marathon.

The 21-year-old hailing from Aberdare said she appreciated the liberty to pose queries at all hours – something she believed was unavailable with a traditional coach.

Leah used an AI-powered fitness application that gave her personalised plans with voice guidance and speed targets for her first long-distance race in recent years.

She explained she requested it to design a regimen combining running and the gym, and it produced an 11-week plan tailored to her event day and objectives.

Leah then adjusted the schedule to suit her lifestyle, which she described was convenient.

Subsequently, she chose a alternative application because it was more affordable and she could ask it questions whenever she wanted. She finished a full minute quicker than her target finish.

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

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

Richard Gallimore

Remarkable Strength Improvements

In a similar case, Richard Gallimore, in his twenties, based in a Welsh city, has been employing AI for his fitness and diet plans, and said he has never felt stronger, boosting his chest press from 70kg to 110kg.

Richard resorted to a bot for assistance after being unable to run a running event.

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

This no-cost application constructed a fitness and meal program personalized 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 Cost Contrast: AI vs. Traditional Training

A recent study in the previous year analyzed costs for numerous of the biggest gym brands and found the typical monthly fee was around £38 a month, based on basic full-access plans.

Prices ranged from £23 at the cheapest chain to £132 at the highest-priced.

According to further data, fitness coaches set their own rates, typically £30-£65 per hour-long session outside London and about a similar range in London.

Clients will often use a coach one or two times a week and work with them for a short period, however these arrangements are often adaptable.

Dafydd Judd

The Irreplaceable Personal Touch

Fitness coach Dafydd Judd, from the Welsh capital, said artificial intelligence can be beneficial to accelerate results, but believes it will not supplant the human connection and accountability that live training offers.

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

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

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

Dafydd said Artificial intelligence can inform clients and make coaching more efficient.

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

"No matter how helpful as it is at the middle of the night, a computer won't keep you accountable at early morning before work," he added.

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