🔗 Share this article

A runner

Following a festive period filled with indulgent treats and downtime, many people enter January aiming to get their fitness back on track.

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

Tailored Programs and Adaptable Schedules

Leah Walsh used an AI tool for last-minute training for the a major running event.

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

She relied on an AI-driven running app that gave her customized schedules with voice guidance and speed targets for her first long-distance race in 2024.

She said she requested it to design a regimen combining running and the gym, and it produced an multi-week plan customized to her race date and objectives.

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

The following year, she chose a different tool because it was more affordable and she could consult it at any time. She finished a minute faster than her target finish.

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

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

Richard Gallimore

Significant Fitness Gains

In a similar case, Richard Gallimore, 23, from a Welsh city, has been employing AI for his exercise and nutrition programs, and reported he has achieved peak strength, boosting his chest press from 70kg to a much heavier load.

Richard turned to a AI assistant for assistance after being unable to run a running event.

"I just knew I need to sort myself out," he said.

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

"I work out for about two hours a day and I've seen a noticeable change," he added.

The Expense Comparison: AI vs. Traditional Coaching

One recent survey in the previous year compared prices for numerous of the biggest fitness chains and found the typical monthly fee was around £38 a month, for standard full-access plans.

Prices started at £23 at the cheapest chain to a premium rate at the highest-priced.

According to further data, fitness coaches determine their own fees, usually a range of thirty to sixty-five pounds per 45-60 minute appointment in most areas and about a similar range in the capital.

Clients typically use a trainer once or twice a week and work with them for a few months, but these arrangements are often adaptable.

Dafydd Judd

The Irreplaceable Personal Touch

Fitness coach one experienced professional, based in Cardiff, acknowledged artificial intelligence can be beneficial to accelerate results, but is convinced it will not supplant the human connection and accountability that in-person coaching provides.

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

"I think it's extremely useful, additional information is good," he stated.

"I believe the more people are connected digitally the more they'll desire human connection because they want the empathy from the comprehension that is absent from a computer," he continued.

Dafydd said Artificial intelligence can educate clients and make guidance more effective.

However, he said real commitment comes when people appear in person for training.

"No matter how helpful as it is at 2am, a computer cannot ensure you show up at early morning before work," Dafydd concluded.

In the view of many, he said, the fitness center is a place to disconnect from devices and stop being glued to screens.