🔗 Share this article

A runner

After a festive period packed with indulgent treats and downtime, many people enter January looking to get their fitness back on track.

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

Tailored Programs and Flexible Timelines

Leah Walsh employed an artificial intelligence application for impromptu training for the a major running event.

This young woman from a town in Wales said she liked the liberty to ask it questions at all hours – something she felt was not possible with a traditional coach.

Leah used an AI-driven fitness application that gave her personalised plans with voice guidance and pace setting for her first long-distance race in recent years.

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

Leah then tweaked the schedule to fit her daily routine, which she said was highly practical.

Subsequently, she chose a alternative application because it was more affordable and she could consult it whenever she wanted. Her result was a minute faster than her target finish.

She said she wanted to avoid feeling pressure from a live instructor.

"With AI you have to find your own drive, which I quite like," she remarked.

Richard Gallimore

Significant Fitness Improvements

Meanwhile, Another individual, in his twenties, based in a Welsh city, has been employing 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 AI assistant for assistance after being forced to walk a running event.

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

This no-cost application built a fitness and meal program personalized to his aims, and created organized workouts.

"I work out for about 120 minutes a day and I've seen a real difference," he said.

The Cost Contrast: AI vs. Traditional Coaching

A recent study in the previous year compared prices for 17 of the biggest gym brands and found the average membership cost was around £38 per month, for basic memberships.

Prices ranged from £23 at the cheapest chain to £132 at the highest-priced.

Based on further data, fitness coaches set their own rates, usually a range of thirty to sixty-five pounds per 45-60 minute session outside London and about £45-£65 in the capital.

Customers typically use a coach once or twice a week and work with them for a few months, but these arrangements are completely flexible.

Dafydd Judd

The Essential Human Touch

Fitness coach one experienced professional, based in Cardiff, acknowledged artificial intelligence can be useful to accelerate results, but believes it will not supplant the personal interaction and accountability that in-person coaching offers.

This expert, who has over a decade of experience as a coach, focuses on older adults and recovery from injuries. He said some of his clients also employ technology.

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

"I think the more people are online the more they'll want human connection because they want the empathy from the understanding that is absent from a computer," he continued.

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

But, he said real commitment comes when people show up physically for their sessions.

"As useful as it is at 2am, a computer won't keep you accountable at 7am before work," he concluded.

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