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Leah Walsh

After a festive period filled with rich foods and downtime, many people head into the new year looking to regain their fitness momentum.

But, could Artificial Intelligence be changing the fitness industry by providing an option to human coaches?

Personalized Plans and Adaptable Timelines

Leah Walsh used an AI tool for impromptu training for the Cardiff Half Marathon.

This young woman hailing from a town in Wales explained she appreciated the freedom to ask it questions any time of day – a feature she believed was unavailable with a traditional coach.

Leah relied on an AI-driven fitness application that gave her personalised plans with voice guidance and speed targets for her first half marathon in recent years.

She explained she requested it to design a plan merging cardio and the weight training, and it produced an multi-week programme customized to her event day and objectives.

The user then adjusted the plan to suit her daily routine, which she said was convenient.

The following year, she opted for a alternative application because it was more affordable and she could ask it questions at any time. She finished a minute faster than her target finish.

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

"With AI you have to find your own drive, which I quite like," she added.

A weightlifter

Significant Fitness Gains

Meanwhile, Another individual, in his twenties, from a Welsh city, has been employing artificial intelligence for his fitness and diet plans, and reported he has never felt stronger, boosting his bench press from 70kg to a much heavier load.

Richard resorted to a AI assistant for help after being unable to run a running event.

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

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

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

The Expense Comparison: Technology vs. Conventional Training

A recent study in the previous year analyzed prices for 17 of the biggest fitness chains and found the average membership cost was approximately forty pounds a month, based on basic memberships.

Fees ranged from £23 at the most affordable chain to £132 at the most expensive.

According to further data, personal trainers determine their own fees, usually £30-£65 per 45-60 minute appointment in most areas and about £45-£65 in the capital.

Clients typically use a coach 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 not supplant the human connection and accountability that live training provides.

This expert, who has over a decade of experience as a coach, specialises in older adults and injury rehabilitation. He mentioned a number of his clients also use AI.

"I think it's very valuable, more knowledge is positive," he said.

"I believe the more that people are connected digitally the more they'll want personal contact because they crave the empathy from the understanding that is missing from a machine," he added.

Dafydd explained AI can inform users and make guidance more effective.

But, he argued real commitment comes when people show up in person for training.

"As useful as it is at 2am, a computer won't keep you accountable at 7am before work," Dafydd concluded.

In the view of many, he said, the fitness center is a place to disconnect from devices and stop being glued to screens.