🔗 Share this article

A runner

After a festive period packed with indulgent treats and downtime, numerous individuals head into January looking to get their fitness back on track.

However, is it possible that Artificial Intelligence be changing the fitness industry by providing an option to personal trainers?

Personalized Programs and Flexible Timelines

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

The 21-year-old hailing from Aberdare said she liked the liberty to pose queries at all hours – a feature she felt was unavailable with a traditional coach.

She used an AI-powered fitness application that provided her personalised plans with audio coaching and pace setting for her inaugural half marathon in recent years.

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

The user then tweaked the plan to fit her lifestyle, which she described was highly practical.

The following year, she chose a alternative application because it was cheaper and she could ask it questions whenever she wanted. She finished a minute faster than her goal time.

She noted she wanted to avoid the pressure from a live instructor.

"With artificial intelligence you have to find your own drive, which I quite like," she remarked.

A weightlifter

Remarkable Fitness Improvements

In a similar case, Richard Gallimore, in his twenties, based in Swansea, has been using artificial intelligence for his exercise and nutrition programs, and reported he has never felt stronger, boosting his bench press from 70kg to a much heavier load.

He turned to a AI assistant for assistance after being unable to run a race.

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

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

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

The Expense Contrast: Technology vs. Traditional Coaching

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

Prices ranged from £23 at the cheapest chain to a premium rate at the highest-priced.

Based on industry research, fitness coaches set their own rates, typically £30-£65 per hour-long session outside London and about £45-£65 in the capital.

Clients typically use a coach one or two times a week and work with them for a short period, but these agreements are often adaptable.

Dafydd Judd

The Irreplaceable Personal Touch

Personal trainer one experienced professional, from Cardiff, said artificial intelligence can be beneficial to speed up progress, but is convinced 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 coach, focuses on senior clients and injury rehabilitation. He said a number of his trainees also employ AI.

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

"I believe the more people are online the more they'll desire personal contact because they crave the warmth from the understanding that is missing from a computer," he continued.

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

However, he argued true dedication comes when people appear physically for training.

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

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