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Leah Walsh

After a holiday period packed with indulgent treats and downtime, numerous individuals enter the new year aiming to get their fitness back on track.

But, is it possible that Artificial Intelligence be transforming the fitness industry by offering an alternative to personal trainers?

Personalized Programs and Adaptable Schedules

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

This young woman from Aberdare said she liked the freedom to pose queries any time of day – a feature she felt was unavailable with a personal trainer.

Leah relied on an AI-driven running app that gave her personalised plans with audio coaching and speed targets for her first long-distance race in 2024.

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

Leah then adjusted the plan to suit her lifestyle, which she said was convenient.

Subsequently, she opted for a different tool because it was cheaper and she could consult it at any time. She finished 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 quite like," she added.

Richard Gallimore

Significant Fitness Improvements

Meanwhile, Richard Gallimore, in his twenties, from a Welsh city, has been using artificial intelligence for his exercise and nutrition programs, and reported he has achieved peak strength, increasing his bench press from a lower weight to a much heavier load.

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

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

The free tool built a fitness and meal program personalized to his goals, and established organized workouts.

"I train for about 120 minutes a day and I've seen a real difference," he added.

The Expense Comparison: Technology vs. Traditional Training

One recent survey in the previous year analyzed prices for numerous of the largest fitness chains and found the average membership cost was approximately forty pounds a month, based on basic memberships.

Fees ranged from £23 at the cheapest provider to a premium rate at the highest-priced.

Based on further data, personal trainers set their own rates, usually a range of thirty to sixty-five pounds per hour-long appointment outside London and about a similar range in the capital.

Clients will often hire a trainer once or twice a week and work with them for a few months, but these agreements are completely flexible.

Dafydd Judd

The Essential Personal Touch

Personal trainer one experienced professional, based in Cardiff, acknowledged AI can be useful to speed up progress, but believes it will never replace the personal interaction and responsibility that live training offers.

This expert, who has over a decade of experience as a coach, specialises in senior clients and recovery from injuries. He mentioned a number of his clients also employ AI.

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

"I think the more people are online the more they'll want personal contact because they crave the warmth from the comprehension that is missing from a machine," he added.

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

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

"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 said, the fitness center is a place to leave phones behind and stop being glued to screens.