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A runner

Following a holiday period filled with rich foods and relaxation, numerous individuals enter the new year looking to get their fitness back on track.

However, is it possible that Artificial Intelligence be changing the fitness industry by offering an alternative to human coaches?

Tailored Programs and Adaptable Schedules

One fitness enthusiast used an artificial intelligence application for last-minute preparation for the a major running event.

This young woman hailing from Aberdare said she appreciated the freedom to pose queries at all hours – a feature she felt was unavailable with a traditional coach.

She used an AI-driven fitness application that gave her personalised plans with voice guidance and speed targets for her inaugural half marathon in 2024.

She explained she asked it to create a regimen combining running and the gym, and it generated an 11-week plan customized to her event day and goals.

Leah then adjusted the schedule to fit her lifestyle, which she said was convenient.

The following year, she opted for a different tool because it was cheaper and she could consult it whenever she wanted. Her result was a minute faster than her goal time.

She said she did not want the pressure from a human personal trainer.

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

Richard Gallimore

Significant Strength Improvements

In a similar case, Another individual, in his twenties, from a Welsh city, has been employing artificial intelligence for his exercise and nutrition programs, and reported he has achieved peak strength, increasing his bench press from 70kg to a much heavier load.

Richard turned to a AI assistant for assistance after being forced to walk a race.

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

This no-cost application built a fitness and meal program personalized to his aims, 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: AI vs. Traditional Coaching

A recent study in late 2024 analyzed costs for numerous of the biggest fitness chains and found the average membership cost was approximately forty pounds per month, for standard memberships.

Prices started at £23 at the most affordable provider to £132 at the most expensive.

Based on further data, personal trainers determine their own fees, usually a range of thirty to sixty-five pounds per 45-60 minute session outside London and about a similar range in London.

Customers will often hire a trainer once or twice a week and collaborate for a few months, however these arrangements are completely flexible.

A personal trainer

The Irreplaceable Personal Element

Personal trainer Dafydd Judd, from the Welsh capital, said artificial intelligence can be beneficial to accelerate results, but believes it will not supplant the personal interaction and responsibility that live training provides.

The 37-year-old, who has over a decade of experience as a trainer, focuses on older adults and recovery from injuries. He said a number of his trainees also employ AI.

"I think it's extremely useful, more knowledge is good," he stated.

"I believe the more people are connected digitally 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 Artificial intelligence can inform users and make coaching more efficient.

But, he said real commitment comes when people appear physically for their sessions.

"As useful as it is at 2am, a digital tool cannot ensure you show up at 7am before work," he concluded.

For many, he said, the gym is a space to disconnect from devices and stop being glued to screens.