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A runner

After a festive period packed with rich foods and relaxation, many people enter the new year aiming to get their fitness back on track.

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

Tailored Programs and Adaptable Schedules

One fitness enthusiast employed an AI tool for last-minute training for the Cardiff Half Marathon.

This young woman hailing from Aberdare said she appreciated the liberty to ask it questions any time of day – a feature she felt was not possible with a traditional coach.

She relied on an AI-powered running app that provided her customized schedules with voice guidance and pace setting for her first long-distance race in recent years.

She said she asked it to design a plan merging running and the gym, and it generated an 11-week plan tailored to her race date and goals.

The user then adjusted the schedule to suit her lifestyle, which she said was convenient.

The following year, she opted for a different tool because it was more affordable and she could consult it at any time. She finished a full minute quicker than her target finish.

She said she wanted to avoid the pressure from a human personal trainer.

"Using artificial intelligence you have to motivate yourself, which I quite like," she added.

A weightlifter

Significant Strength Improvements

In a similar case, Richard Gallimore, in his twenties, from Swansea, has been employing AI for his fitness and diet plans, and reported he has achieved peak strength, increasing his bench press from a lower weight to 110kg.

He resorted to a AI assistant for help after being unable to run a race.

"I realized I had to sort myself out," he commented.

This no-cost application constructed a fitness and meal program tailored to his goals, and created organized workouts.

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

The Expense Contrast: Technology vs. Traditional Coaching

One recent survey in the previous year analyzed prices for numerous of the largest gym brands and found the typical monthly fee was approximately forty pounds per month, for standard memberships.

Fees ranged from a lower price at the most affordable provider to £132 at the most expensive.

Based on further data, fitness coaches determine their own fees, usually a range of thirty to sixty-five pounds per hour-long session in most areas and about a similar range in the capital.

Clients typically use a trainer once or twice a week and collaborate for a short period, however these arrangements are often adaptable.

Dafydd Judd

The Essential Human Element

Personal trainer Dafydd Judd, from Cardiff, said artificial intelligence can be beneficial to speed up progress, but is convinced it will not supplant the human connection and accountability that live training provides.

This expert, who has 12 years experience as a trainer, specialises in senior clients and injury rehabilitation. He mentioned a number of his trainees also employ AI.

"In my opinion it's very valuable, additional information is positive," he said.

"I think the more people are connected digitally the more they'll want human connection because they crave the empathy from the understanding that is absent from a machine," he added.

Dafydd said Artificial intelligence can educate clients and make coaching more efficient.

However, he said true dedication comes when people show up in person for training.

"As useful as it is at the middle of the night, a digital tool cannot ensure you show up at early morning before work," Dafydd concluded.

For many, he suggested, the gym is a space to leave phones behind and take a break from technology.