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A runner

Following a festive period packed with indulgent treats and downtime, numerous individuals enter January looking to regain their fitness momentum.

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

Tailored Plans and Flexible Timelines

One fitness enthusiast used an AI tool for last-minute preparation for the a major running event.

The 21-year-old from Aberdare explained she appreciated the liberty to pose queries any time of day – something she believed was not possible with a traditional coach.

She used an AI-driven running app that gave her personalised plans with audio coaching and pace setting for her first long-distance race in recent years.

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

Leah then adjusted the schedule to suit her lifestyle, which she described was convenient.

The following year, she opted for a different tool because it was cheaper and she could consult it whenever she wanted. Her result was a full minute quicker than her goal time.

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

"With artificial intelligence you have to motivate yourself, which I quite like," she added.

A weightlifter

Remarkable Fitness Improvements

Meanwhile, Richard Gallimore, in his twenties, based in a Welsh city, has been using artificial intelligence for his fitness and diet plans, and said he has achieved peak strength, increasing his bench press from 70kg to 110kg.

He turned to a AI assistant for help after being unable to run a race.

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

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

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

The Expense Comparison: Technology vs. Traditional Coaching

A recent study in the previous year compared prices for 17 of the biggest gym brands and found the typical monthly fee was around £38 per month, for basic full-access plans.

Fees started at a lower price at the most affordable provider to a premium rate at the most expensive.

According to further data, personal trainers determine their own fees, usually a range of thirty to sixty-five pounds per 45-60 minute appointment outside London and about £45-£65 in the capital.

Clients typically use a coach one or two times a week and work with them for a few months, however these agreements are completely flexible.

A personal trainer

The Essential Human Element

Personal trainer Dafydd Judd, from Cardiff, acknowledged artificial intelligence can be beneficial to accelerate results, but believes it will never replace the human connection and responsibility that live training offers.

This expert, who has over a decade of experience as a trainer, specialises in senior clients and injury rehabilitation. He said a number of his trainees also use AI.

"In my opinion it's extremely useful, more knowledge is good," he stated.

"I believe the more people are connected digitally the more they'll desire personal contact because they want the empathy from the understanding that is missing from a computer," he added.

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

However, he said true dedication comes when people show up in person for training.

"As useful as it is at 2am, a computer won't keep you accountable at early morning before work," Dafydd added.

For many, he suggested, the gym is a space to leave phones behind and stop being glued to screens.