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A runner

After a holiday period packed with rich foods and relaxation, many people enter January aiming to regain their fitness momentum.

However, could Artificial Intelligence be changing the fitness industry by providing an option to human coaches?

Personalized Plans and Adaptable Schedules

One fitness enthusiast employed an AI tool for impromptu preparation for the a major running event.

This young woman hailing from Aberdare said she appreciated the freedom to pose queries at all hours – something she believed was not possible with a traditional coach.

Leah used an AI-powered fitness application that provided her customized schedules with voice guidance and speed targets for her inaugural half marathon in recent years.

She explained she asked it to create a plan combining cardio and the weight training, and it produced an multi-week programme tailored to her event day and goals.

The user then tweaked 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 target finish.

She noted she did not want feeling pressure from a live instructor.

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

A weightlifter

Significant Strength Gains

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

He turned to a bot for assistance after being unable to run a race.

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

This no-cost application constructed a workout and diet plan tailored to his aims, and created organized workouts.

"I train for about two hours a day and I've seen a real difference," he said.

The Expense Comparison: Technology vs. Traditional Training

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

Fees started at £23 at the most affordable chain to a premium rate at the most expensive.

Based on industry research, fitness coaches determine their own fees, usually £30-£65 per hour-long appointment in most areas and about £45-£65 in the capital.

Customers typically hire a coach one or two times a week and work with them for a few months, but these arrangements are often adaptable.

Dafydd Judd

The Irreplaceable Human Element

Personal trainer one experienced professional, from the Welsh capital, said AI can be useful to accelerate results, but believes it will never replace the human connection and accountability that in-person coaching provides.

This expert, who has over a decade of experience as a trainer, focuses on older adults and recovery from injuries. He said a number of his clients also employ AI.

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

"I think the more that people are connected digitally the more they'll want personal contact because they want the empathy from the comprehension that is missing from a computer," he added.

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

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

"No matter how helpful as it is at the middle of the night, a digital tool won't keep you accountable at 7am before work," Dafydd added.

For many, he said, the gym is a place to disconnect from devices and stop being glued to screens.