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A runner

After a festive period filled with rich foods and downtime, numerous individuals head into January looking to get their fitness back on track.

However, could AI be changing the fitness industry by providing an alternative to human coaches?

Tailored Plans and Flexible Timelines

One fitness enthusiast employed an AI tool for impromptu training for the Cardiff Half Marathon.

This young woman hailing from Aberdare explained she liked the liberty to ask it questions any time of day – something she believed was unavailable with a personal trainer.

She relied on an AI-driven fitness application that provided her personalised plans with audio coaching and pace setting for her inaugural long-distance race in 2024.

She explained she asked it to create a regimen merging running and the weight training, and it produced an multi-week plan tailored to her race date and objectives.

Leah then tweaked the schedule to fit her lifestyle, which she described was highly practical.

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 target finish.

She noted she did not want feeling pressure from a human personal trainer.

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

A weightlifter

Remarkable Fitness Improvements

Meanwhile, Another individual, 23, from Swansea, has been using AI for his fitness and diet plans, and said he has never felt stronger, increasing his bench press from 70kg to a much heavier load.

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

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

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

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

The Expense Comparison: AI vs. Conventional Coaching

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

Fees started at £23 at the cheapest chain to a premium rate at the most expensive.

According to further data, personal trainers set their own rates, typically a range of thirty to sixty-five pounds per 45-60 minute appointment in most areas and about £45-£65 in London.

Customers typically use a trainer once or twice a week and work with them for a short period, however these agreements are often adaptable.

A personal trainer

The Irreplaceable Human Element

Fitness coach Dafydd Judd, based in Cardiff, acknowledged AI can be beneficial to speed up progress, but believes it will never replace the human connection and responsibility that live training provides.

The 37-year-old, who has over a decade of experience as a coach, specialises in senior clients and injury rehabilitation. He mentioned a number of his clients also use AI.

"In my opinion it's very valuable, additional information is good," he said.

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

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

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

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

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