🔗 Share this article

A runner

After a holiday period filled with indulgent treats and downtime, numerous individuals enter January aiming to get their fitness back on track.

However, could Artificial Intelligence be transforming the fitness industry by providing an option to personal trainers?

Tailored Programs and Flexible Schedules

Leah Walsh used an AI tool for last-minute preparation for the a major running event.

This young woman from a town in Wales explained she liked the liberty to ask it questions any time of day – something she felt was unavailable with a personal trainer.

Leah used an AI-driven running app that gave her personalised plans with audio coaching and speed targets for her inaugural half marathon in 2024.

She said she asked it to create a regimen merging cardio and the gym, and it generated an 11-week programme tailored to her race date and goals.

Leah then adjusted the plan to suit her daily routine, which she described was convenient.

The following year, she opted for a different tool because it was more affordable and she could ask it questions whenever she wanted. Her result was a full minute quicker than her goal time.

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

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

Richard Gallimore

Remarkable Fitness Gains

Meanwhile, Richard Gallimore, 23, from a Welsh city, has been employing artificial intelligence for his exercise and nutrition programs, and said he has never felt stronger, increasing his chest press from 70kg to 110kg.

He resorted to a AI assistant for assistance after being forced to walk a race.

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

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

"I work out for about two hours a day and I've seen a real difference," he added.

The Expense Comparison: AI vs. Traditional Coaching

One recent survey in the previous year analyzed costs for 17 of the largest gym brands and found the average membership cost was around £38 a month, for standard memberships.

Prices started at £23 at the most affordable chain to £132 at the most expensive.

According to further data, personal trainers determine their own fees, typically a range of thirty to sixty-five pounds per 45-60 minute session in most areas and about a similar range in London.

Clients typically use a coach once or twice a week and work with them for a few months, but these agreements are completely flexible.

Dafydd Judd

The Irreplaceable Personal Element

Fitness coach Dafydd Judd, based in the Welsh capital, acknowledged AI can be beneficial to accelerate results, but is convinced it will not supplant the personal interaction and responsibility that live training provides.

This expert, who has 12 years experience as a coach, focuses on senior clients and injury rehabilitation. He said some of his trainees also use AI.

"In my opinion it's very valuable, additional information is good," he stated.

"I believe the more people are online the more they'll desire human connection because they want the empathy from the understanding that is absent from a machine," he continued.

The trainer said AI can educate users and make guidance more efficient.

However, he argued real commitment comes when people show up in person for their sessions.

"No matter how helpful as it is at 2am, a computer cannot ensure you show up at 7am before work," Dafydd added.

For many, he suggested, the gym is a space to disconnect from devices and take a break from technology.