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A runner

Following a festive period packed with rich foods and downtime, numerous individuals enter January looking to regain their fitness momentum.

But, could AI be transforming the fitness industry by offering an option to personal trainers?

Tailored Programs and Adaptable Schedules

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

The 21-year-old hailing from a town in Wales explained she liked the freedom to ask it questions any time of day – something she felt was unavailable with a personal trainer.

Leah used an AI-powered fitness application that gave her customized schedules with audio coaching and speed targets for her first long-distance race in recent years.

She explained she asked it to create a regimen combining cardio and the weight training, and it generated an 11-week plan tailored to her event day and goals.

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

The following year, she chose a different tool because it was cheaper 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 feeling pressure from a human personal trainer.

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

A weightlifter

Remarkable Fitness Improvements

Meanwhile, Another individual, in his twenties, from Swansea, has been using AI for his exercise and nutrition programs, and reported he has achieved peak strength, increasing his chest press from a lower weight to a much heavier load.

He 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 commented.

This no-cost application constructed a fitness and meal program personalized to his goals, and created structured routines.

"I train for about 120 minutes a day and I've seen a noticeable change," he added.

The Expense Comparison: AI vs. Traditional Training

A recent survey in the previous year analyzed prices for numerous of the largest fitness chains and found the average membership cost was around £38 per month, based on standard full-access plans.

Prices ranged from £23 at the most affordable provider to a premium rate at the highest-priced.

Based on further data, fitness coaches set their own rates, typically £30-£65 per 45-60 minute session outside London and about £45-£65 in London.

Customers typically hire a trainer one or two times a week and work with them for a short period, but these arrangements are often adaptable.

A personal trainer

The Irreplaceable Human Touch

Fitness coach Dafydd Judd, based in the Welsh capital, said AI can be useful to accelerate results, but is convinced 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, focuses on older adults and injury rehabilitation. He said some of his clients also use technology.

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

"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 missing from a computer," he continued.

The trainer explained Artificial intelligence can educate users and make guidance more effective.

But, he said true dedication comes when people show up in person for training.

"As useful as it is at the middle of the night, a computer won't keep you accountable at early morning before work," Dafydd added.

In the view of many, he suggested, the gym is a space to leave phones behind and take a break from technology.