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A runner

Following a holiday period filled with indulgent treats and downtime, many people enter the new year aiming to regain their fitness momentum.

However, could Artificial Intelligence be changing the fitness industry by providing an alternative to personal trainers?

Tailored Programs and Flexible Schedules

One fitness enthusiast used an artificial intelligence application for last-minute training for the Cardiff Half Marathon.

The 21-year-old from a town in Wales said she liked the liberty to ask it questions any time of day – a feature she felt was not possible with a personal trainer.

She relied on an AI-powered running app that gave her customized schedules with voice guidance and speed targets for her inaugural half marathon in recent years.

She explained she asked it to create a plan merging running and the gym, and it produced an 11-week plan tailored to her race date and objectives.

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

Subsequently, she opted for a alternative application because it was more affordable and she could ask it questions whenever she wanted. She finished a minute faster than her goal time.

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

"Using AI you have to motivate yourself, which I quite like," she remarked.

A weightlifter

Significant Fitness Gains

In a similar case, Richard Gallimore, in his twenties, from a Welsh city, has been employing AI for his exercise and nutrition programs, and reported he has achieved peak strength, increasing his chest press from 70kg to 110kg.

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

"I just knew I had to sort myself out," he commented.

The free tool built a workout and diet plan tailored to his aims, and established structured routines.

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

The Cost Contrast: Technology vs. Traditional Coaching

A recent study in the previous year analyzed prices for 17 of the largest gym brands and found the average membership cost was around £38 a month, for standard full-access plans.

Fees ranged from a lower price at the most affordable chain to £132 at the highest-priced.

Based on industry research, fitness coaches set their own rates, typically a range of thirty to sixty-five pounds per 45-60 minute session outside London and about a similar range in London.

Customers typically use a trainer one or two times a week and collaborate for a short period, but these arrangements are often adaptable.

A personal trainer

The Irreplaceable Personal Element

Personal trainer one experienced professional, from Cardiff, acknowledged artificial intelligence can be beneficial to accelerate results, but believes it will not supplant the personal interaction and responsibility that live training offers.

The 37-year-old, who has 12 years experience as a coach, focuses on senior clients and recovery from injuries. He mentioned some of his clients also use AI.

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

"I think the more people are connected digitally the more they'll want human connection because they crave the warmth from the comprehension that is missing from a machine," he continued.

The trainer said Artificial intelligence can inform clients and make coaching more effective.

However, he argued real commitment comes when people show up physically for training.

"No matter how helpful as it is at the middle of the night, a computer won't keep you accountable at early morning before work," he concluded.

For many, he said, the gym is a place to disconnect from devices and stop being glued to screens.