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A runner

After a holiday period packed with indulgent treats and relaxation, many people enter January aiming to get their fitness back on track.

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

Tailored Plans and Flexible Timelines

Leah Walsh used an artificial intelligence application for impromptu preparation for the Cardiff Half Marathon.

The 21-year-old from Aberdare explained she liked the freedom to ask it questions any time of day – a feature she believed was unavailable with a traditional coach.

Leah relied on an AI-powered fitness application that provided her customized schedules with audio coaching and pace setting for her first long-distance race in recent years.

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

Leah then tweaked the schedule to suit her daily routine, which she said was highly practical.

Subsequently, she chose a different tool because it was cheaper and she could consult it whenever she wanted. Her result was a minute faster than her target finish.

She noted she wanted to avoid feeling pressure from a live instructor.

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

Richard Gallimore

Remarkable Fitness Improvements

Meanwhile, Another individual, 23, from a Welsh city, has been using artificial intelligence for his fitness and diet plans, and said he has never felt stronger, boosting his chest press from a lower weight to a much heavier load.

Richard resorted to a AI assistant for assistance after being forced to walk a running event.

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

The free tool constructed a workout and diet plan tailored to his goals, and established organized workouts.

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

The Expense Comparison: AI vs. Conventional Training

One recent study in the previous year analyzed costs for numerous of the largest fitness chains and found the average membership cost was approximately forty pounds a month, based on basic memberships.

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

Based on further data, personal trainers determine their own fees, usually £30-£65 per 45-60 minute appointment outside London and about a similar range in the capital.

Customers will often hire a trainer one or two times a week and work with them for a few months, however these agreements are often adaptable.

A personal trainer

The Essential Human Touch

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

This expert, who has 12 years experience as a coach, specialises in senior clients and injury rehabilitation. He said some of his clients also use technology.

"In my opinion it's extremely useful, more knowledge is good," he said.

"I think the more that people are online the more they'll desire personal contact because they crave the empathy from the understanding that is missing from a computer," he added.

The trainer said Artificial intelligence can inform users and make guidance more efficient.

However, he argued real commitment comes when people appear in person 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.

For many, he said, the gym is a space to leave phones behind and stop being glued to screens.