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A runner

After a holiday period filled with indulgent treats and downtime, many people enter the new year looking to get their fitness back on track.

But, is it possible that AI be changing the fitness industry by providing an alternative to personal trainers?

Tailored Plans and Adaptable Timelines

Leah Walsh used an AI tool for impromptu preparation for the a major running event.

This young woman hailing from a town in Wales said she liked the freedom to ask it questions any time of day – a feature she believed was unavailable with a personal trainer.

Leah used an AI-powered fitness application that provided her customized schedules with voice guidance and pace setting for her first half marathon in 2024.

She explained she requested it to design a regimen merging running and the gym, and it produced an multi-week programme tailored to her event day and goals.

The user then adjusted the plan to suit her daily routine, which she said was convenient.

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 full minute quicker than her goal time.

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

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

Richard Gallimore

Remarkable Fitness Gains

Meanwhile, Another individual, in his twenties, from Swansea, 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 bot for help after being forced to walk a running event.

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

This no-cost application built 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. Traditional Coaching

A recent study in the previous year analyzed costs for numerous of the largest fitness chains and found the typical monthly fee was around £38 a month, for standard memberships.

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

Based on further data, personal trainers set their own rates, usually a range of thirty to sixty-five pounds per 45-60 minute appointment outside London and about £45-£65 in the capital.

Clients typically use a coach one or two times a week and collaborate for a few months, but these arrangements are often adaptable.

Dafydd Judd

The Essential Human Touch

Personal trainer Dafydd Judd, from Cardiff, said artificial intelligence can be beneficial to accelerate results, but believes it will not supplant the personal interaction and responsibility that in-person coaching provides.

The 37-year-old, who has 12 years experience as a trainer, focuses on older adults and injury rehabilitation. He said some of his clients also use technology.

"I think it's extremely useful, additional information is positive," he said.

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

The trainer said Artificial intelligence can educate users and make coaching more effective.

But, he argued real commitment comes when people appear physically for training.

"No matter how helpful as it is at the middle of the night, 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.