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Leah Walsh

Following a festive period packed with rich foods and downtime, numerous individuals head into the new year aiming to regain their fitness momentum.

But, could Artificial Intelligence be changing the fitness industry by offering an option to personal trainers?

Tailored Programs and Flexible Schedules

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

The 21-year-old hailing from a town in Wales explained she appreciated the liberty to pose queries at all hours – a feature she felt was unavailable with a personal trainer.

Leah used an AI-driven running app that gave her customized schedules with voice guidance and pace setting for her first half marathon in 2024.

She explained she requested it to create a regimen combining running and the weight training, and it generated an 11-week programme customized to her event day and objectives.

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

The following year, she chose a alternative application because it was cheaper and she could ask it questions whenever she wanted. She finished a full minute quicker than her target finish.

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

"Using artificial intelligence you have to find your own drive, which I actually prefer," she remarked.

A weightlifter

Remarkable Strength Improvements

Meanwhile, Richard Gallimore, in his twenties, based in Swansea, has been employing artificial intelligence for his fitness and diet plans, and said he has never felt stronger, increasing his bench press from a lower weight to a much heavier load.

He resorted to a bot for assistance after being forced to walk a race.

"I realized I need to sort myself out," he commented.

This no-cost application built a workout and diet plan personalized to his aims, 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 Training

One recent study in the previous year compared costs for 17 of the largest gym brands and found the average membership cost was around £38 a month, based on standard full-access plans.

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

According to industry research, personal trainers set their own rates, typically a range of thirty to sixty-five pounds per hour-long appointment outside London and about a similar range in the capital.

Clients typically hire a coach one or two times a week and collaborate for a short period, but these agreements are often adaptable.

Dafydd Judd

The Essential Personal Touch

Personal trainer Dafydd Judd, based in Cardiff, acknowledged AI can be beneficial to speed up progress, but believes it will not supplant the human connection and responsibility that in-person coaching provides.

The 37-year-old, who has 12 years experience as a trainer, specialises in senior clients and injury rehabilitation. He mentioned a number of his trainees also use technology.

"I think it's very valuable, more knowledge is positive," he stated.

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

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

However, he argued true dedication comes when people show up physically for their sessions.

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

For many, he suggested, the fitness center is a place to leave phones behind and take a break from technology.