🔗 Share this article

Leah Walsh

After a holiday period filled with indulgent treats and relaxation, numerous individuals enter the new year aiming to regain their fitness momentum.

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

Personalized Programs and Adaptable Schedules

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

This young woman hailing from a town in Wales explained she appreciated the freedom to ask it questions at all hours – something she believed was not possible with a personal trainer.

Leah relied on an AI-powered fitness application that gave her customized schedules with voice guidance and speed targets for her first long-distance race in recent years.

She explained she requested it to design a regimen merging running and the weight training, and it generated an multi-week programme customized to her event day and goals.

The user then adjusted the plan to suit her lifestyle, which she said 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 minute faster than her target finish.

She noted 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.

A weightlifter

Remarkable Fitness Gains

In a similar case, Another individual, 23, from Swansea, has been using AI for his fitness and diet plans, and said he has never felt stronger, increasing his chest press from 70kg to 110kg.

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 said.

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

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

The Expense Comparison: Technology vs. Traditional Coaching

A recent survey in the previous year analyzed prices for numerous of the largest gym brands and found the average membership cost was approximately forty pounds a month, based on basic memberships.

Fees started at a lower price at the cheapest chain to a premium rate at the most expensive.

According to further data, personal trainers set their own rates, typically £30-£65 per 45-60 minute session outside London and about a similar range in the capital.

Customers will often use a coach once or twice a week and collaborate for a short period, but these agreements are often adaptable.

Dafydd Judd

The Irreplaceable Human Touch

Fitness coach Dafydd Judd, from Cardiff, said AI can be beneficial to speed up progress, but believes it will not supplant the personal interaction and responsibility that live training offers.

This expert, who has over a decade of experience as a trainer, specialises in senior clients and recovery from injuries. He mentioned some of his trainees also employ AI.

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

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

Dafydd said AI can educate clients and make coaching more effective.

However, he said real commitment comes when people appear in person for their sessions.

"No matter how helpful as it is at the middle of the night, a computer cannot ensure you show up at early morning before work," Dafydd added.

For many, he said, the fitness center is a place to disconnect from devices and take a break from technology.