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Leah Walsh

Following a holiday period packed with indulgent treats and relaxation, numerous individuals enter the new year looking to get their fitness back on track.

However, is it possible that Artificial Intelligence be transforming the fitness industry by providing an alternative to human coaches?

Personalized Plans and Adaptable Schedules

One fitness enthusiast used an artificial intelligence application for last-minute training for the Cardiff Half Marathon.

The 21-year-old from a town in Wales said she appreciated the liberty to ask it questions at all hours – a feature she felt was unavailable with a traditional coach.

She relied on an AI-powered fitness application that gave her personalised plans with voice guidance and pace setting for her inaugural long-distance race in recent years.

She explained she requested it to create a regimen combining cardio and the gym, and it generated an 11-week plan tailored to her race date and objectives.

The user then adjusted the schedule to suit her daily routine, which she said was highly practical.

Subsequently, she opted for a alternative application because it was cheaper 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 the pressure from a live instructor.

"With artificial intelligence you have to motivate yourself, which I actually prefer," she added.

A weightlifter

Significant Fitness Gains

Meanwhile, Another individual, in his twenties, based in a Welsh city, has been employing artificial intelligence for his fitness and diet plans, and reported he has achieved peak strength, increasing his bench press from 70kg to a much heavier load.

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

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

This no-cost application built a workout and diet plan personalized to his goals, and established structured routines.

"I train for about 120 minutes a day and I've seen a noticeable change," he said.

The Cost Comparison: Technology vs. Traditional Coaching

A recent survey in the previous year analyzed costs for 17 of the biggest fitness chains and found the average membership cost was around £38 per month, for standard full-access plans.

Fees ranged from £23 at the cheapest chain to £132 at the most expensive.

According to further data, fitness coaches determine their own fees, usually £30-£65 per hour-long session outside London and about £45-£65 in the capital.

Clients typically hire a coach once or twice a week and collaborate for a short period, however these agreements are completely flexible.

A personal trainer

The Irreplaceable Personal Element

Fitness coach Dafydd Judd, from the Welsh capital, acknowledged AI can be useful to speed up progress, but is convinced it will not supplant the personal interaction and accountability that in-person coaching provides.

This expert, who has 12 years experience as a trainer, focuses on older adults and recovery from injuries. He mentioned some of his trainees also employ AI.

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

"I think the more that people are connected digitally the more they'll desire human connection because they crave the warmth from the comprehension that is missing from a machine," he added.

Dafydd explained AI can educate users and make coaching more effective.

But, he argued real commitment comes when people show up physically for their sessions.

"As useful as it is at 2am, a computer won't keep you accountable at 7am before work," he concluded.

In the view of many, he suggested, the gym is a place to leave phones behind and stop being glued to screens.