🔗 Share this article

A runner

After a festive period filled with indulgent treats and downtime, many people head into the new year looking to regain their fitness momentum.

But, is it possible that AI be transforming the fitness industry by providing an option to human coaches?

Tailored Programs and Adaptable Schedules

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

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

Leah relied on an AI-powered fitness application that gave her personalised plans with audio coaching and speed targets for her inaugural half marathon in 2024.

She explained she requested it to create a regimen combining running and the gym, and it produced an 11-week programme tailored to her race date and goals.

The user then tweaked the schedule to suit her lifestyle, which she said was convenient.

The following year, she chose a alternative application because it was cheaper and she could ask it questions at any time. Her result was a minute faster than her goal time.

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

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

A weightlifter

Remarkable Strength Gains

In a similar case, Richard Gallimore, in his twenties, from Swansea, has been using AI for his fitness and diet plans, and reported he has achieved peak strength, increasing his chest press from 70kg to a much heavier load.

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

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

This no-cost application built a workout and diet plan tailored to his aims, and created organized workouts.

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

The Expense Contrast: AI vs. Traditional Coaching

A recent survey in the previous year analyzed costs for 17 of the largest fitness chains and found the typical monthly fee was around £38 a month, for standard memberships.

Fees ranged from £23 at the cheapest provider to £132 at the most expensive.

According to industry research, personal trainers set their own rates, usually a range of thirty to sixty-five pounds per 45-60 minute appointment outside London and about £45-£65 in London.

Customers will often use a trainer one or two times a week and work with them for a short period, but these arrangements are completely flexible.

A personal trainer

The Essential Human Touch

Fitness coach Dafydd Judd, based in Cardiff, said AI can be useful to accelerate results, but is convinced it will never replace the personal interaction and accountability that live training provides.

This expert, who has 12 years experience as a coach, specialises in senior clients and recovery from injuries. 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 people are connected digitally the more they'll want human connection because they crave the empathy from the understanding that is absent from a machine," he continued.

Dafydd explained Artificial intelligence can inform clients and make guidance more efficient.

But, he said true dedication comes when people show up 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," Dafydd concluded.

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