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Leah Walsh

Following a festive period packed with indulgent treats and relaxation, many people head into the new year aiming to regain their fitness momentum.

But, could Artificial Intelligence be changing the fitness industry by providing an alternative to personal trainers?

Tailored Plans and Flexible Schedules

One fitness enthusiast used an AI tool for impromptu training for the Cardiff Half Marathon.

This young woman from a town in Wales explained she liked the liberty to pose queries any time of day – a feature she believed was unavailable with a personal trainer.

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

She said she requested it to create a regimen merging running and the weight training, and it produced an 11-week plan tailored to her event day and objectives.

The user then tweaked the schedule to fit her daily routine, which she described was highly practical.

Subsequently, she chose a alternative application because it was cheaper and she could consult it at any time. She finished a minute faster than her target finish.

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

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

A weightlifter

Significant Strength Improvements

In a similar case, Another individual, 23, from a Welsh city, has been employing artificial intelligence for his exercise and nutrition programs, and said he has achieved peak strength, boosting his bench press from a lower weight to 110kg.

He turned to a AI assistant for help after being forced to walk a race.

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

The free tool constructed a fitness and meal program tailored to his aims, and established structured routines.

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

The Cost Contrast: Technology vs. Conventional Training

One recent study in the previous year compared prices for numerous of the biggest gym brands and found the typical monthly fee was approximately forty pounds a month, based on standard memberships.

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

Based on industry research, personal trainers determine their own fees, usually a range of thirty to sixty-five pounds per 45-60 minute session outside London and about £45-£65 in London.

Customers typically hire a trainer once or twice a week and collaborate for a few months, but these agreements are often adaptable.

Dafydd Judd

The Essential Human Touch

Personal trainer Dafydd Judd, based in Cardiff, said artificial intelligence can be useful to accelerate results, but believes it will never replace the personal interaction and accountability that in-person coaching provides.

The 37-year-old, who has 12 years experience as a trainer, focuses on senior clients and recovery from injuries. He mentioned some of his clients also use technology.

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

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

The trainer explained AI can inform clients and make guidance more effective.

However, he argued true dedication comes when people show up in person for their sessions.

"No matter how helpful as it is at 2am, a computer won't keep you accountable at early morning before work," Dafydd added.

For many, he suggested, the fitness center is a place to leave phones behind and take a break from technology.