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Leah Walsh

After a festive period packed with rich foods and relaxation, many people head into January looking to regain their fitness momentum.

However, is it possible that AI be changing the fitness industry by offering an alternative to personal trainers?

Tailored Programs and Adaptable Schedules

Leah Walsh used an artificial intelligence application for last-minute training for the Cardiff Half Marathon.

The 21-year-old from Aberdare explained she liked the freedom to pose queries any time of day – something she felt was not possible with a personal trainer.

Leah relied on an AI-powered running app that provided her customized schedules with voice guidance and speed targets for her inaugural half marathon in recent years.

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

Leah then adjusted the schedule to suit her lifestyle, which she described was highly practical.

Subsequently, she chose a different tool because it was more affordable and she could consult it whenever she wanted. Her result was a minute faster than her goal time.

She noted she wanted to avoid feeling pressure from a human personal trainer.

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

A weightlifter

Significant Strength Improvements

Meanwhile, Another individual, 23, from a Welsh city, has been using AI for his exercise and nutrition programs, and reported he has achieved peak strength, boosting his bench press from 70kg to a much heavier load.

Richard turned to a bot for help after being forced to walk a running event.

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

The free tool constructed a workout and diet plan tailored to his goals, and established organized workouts.

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

The Expense Contrast: Technology vs. Traditional Coaching

A recent study in the previous year compared prices for numerous of the biggest gym brands and found the typical monthly fee was around £38 per month, based on standard full-access plans.

Fees ranged from a lower price at the cheapest chain to £132 at the most expensive.

Based on industry research, personal trainers determine their own fees, usually a range of thirty to sixty-five pounds per hour-long appointment outside London and about a similar range in London.

Clients will often hire a trainer once or twice a week and collaborate for a short period, but these agreements are often adaptable.

Dafydd Judd

The Essential Personal Touch

Personal trainer one experienced professional, from Cardiff, acknowledged AI can be beneficial to accelerate results, but believes it will never replace the personal interaction and accountability that in-person coaching offers.

The 37-year-old, who has 12 years experience as a coach, specialises in older adults and injury rehabilitation. He mentioned some of his clients also use AI.

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

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

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

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

"As useful as it is at the middle of the night, a digital tool won't keep you accountable at 7am before work," he added.

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