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A runner

Following a festive period packed with rich foods and relaxation, many people head into January aiming to get their fitness back on track.

However, could AI be transforming the fitness industry by offering an alternative to human coaches?

Tailored Programs and Flexible Timelines

One fitness enthusiast employed an artificial intelligence application for impromptu training for the a major running event.

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

Leah relied on an AI-powered running app that provided her personalised plans with audio coaching and speed targets for her inaugural half marathon in recent years.

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

The user then tweaked the plan to suit her lifestyle, which she said was convenient.

The following year, she chose a alternative application because it was more affordable and she could ask it questions at any time. Her result was a minute faster than her goal time.

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

"With AI you have to motivate yourself, which I actually prefer," she remarked.

Richard Gallimore

Remarkable Fitness Gains

Meanwhile, Another individual, 23, from a Welsh city, has been employing AI for his fitness and diet plans, and said he has achieved peak strength, increasing his bench press from 70kg to 110kg.

Richard resorted 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 said.

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

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

The Cost Contrast: Technology vs. Conventional Training

A recent survey in the previous year compared prices for 17 of the largest gym brands and found the average membership cost was approximately forty pounds per month, for standard full-access plans.

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

Based on further data, fitness coaches determine their own fees, usually a range of thirty to sixty-five pounds per hour-long appointment in most areas and about £45-£65 in London.

Clients will often use a coach one or two times a week and collaborate for a short period, however these agreements are completely flexible.

Dafydd Judd

The Irreplaceable Human Touch

Fitness coach Dafydd Judd, based in Cardiff, acknowledged AI can be beneficial to speed up progress, but believes it will not supplant the personal interaction and accountability that in-person coaching provides.

The 37-year-old, who has 12 years experience as a coach, specialises in senior clients and injury rehabilitation. He mentioned some of his clients also employ technology.

"In my opinion it's very valuable, more knowledge is good," he stated.

"I believe the more that people are online the more they'll want personal contact because they want the warmth from the understanding that is absent from a computer," he added.

Dafydd said Artificial intelligence can inform clients and make guidance more efficient.

But, he said true dedication comes when people appear physically for their sessions.

"No matter how helpful as it is at the middle of the night, a computer won't keep you accountable at early morning before work," he concluded.

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