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Leah Walsh

Following a holiday period packed with rich foods and downtime, many people enter January aiming to regain their fitness momentum.

However, is it possible that Artificial Intelligence be changing the fitness industry by providing an alternative to human coaches?

Tailored Plans and Flexible Timelines

Leah Walsh used an artificial intelligence application for impromptu preparation for the Cardiff Half Marathon.

This young woman hailing from a town in Wales said she appreciated the liberty to ask it questions any time of day – a feature she felt was not possible with a traditional coach.

She used an AI-powered fitness application that provided her personalised plans with audio coaching and speed targets for her first half marathon in recent years.

She explained she asked it to create a plan merging running and the gym, and it produced an multi-week plan tailored to her event day and objectives.

The user then adjusted the schedule to fit her lifestyle, which she described was highly practical.

Subsequently, she opted for a different tool because it was more affordable and she could consult it whenever she wanted. She finished a full minute quicker than her target finish.

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

"With AI you have to motivate yourself, which I actually prefer," she added.

Richard Gallimore

Significant Fitness Gains

In a similar case, Richard Gallimore, 23, based in a Welsh city, has been employing AI for his exercise and nutrition programs, and reported he has never felt stronger, increasing his bench press from 70kg to 110kg.

Richard resorted to a bot for help after being forced to walk a running event.

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

This no-cost application constructed a workout and diet plan tailored to his goals, and established organized workouts.

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

The Expense Comparison: AI vs. Traditional Coaching

One recent study in the previous year compared prices for 17 of the biggest fitness chains and found the typical monthly fee was around £38 a month, based on standard full-access plans.

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

According to further data, fitness coaches determine their own fees, usually £30-£65 per hour-long appointment outside London and about £45-£65 in the capital.

Clients typically hire a coach once or twice a week and collaborate for a short period, but these arrangements are often adaptable.

A personal trainer

The Irreplaceable Human Element

Personal trainer Dafydd Judd, based in the Welsh capital, acknowledged AI can be useful to accelerate results, but is convinced it will not supplant the personal interaction and accountability that live training offers.

This expert, who has 12 years experience as a trainer, focuses on older adults and recovery from injuries. He mentioned some of his trainees also employ AI.

"In my opinion it's very valuable, more knowledge is good," he said.

"I think the more that people are online the more they'll desire personal contact because they crave the empathy from the understanding that is missing from a machine," he continued.

The trainer explained AI can educate users and make coaching more efficient.

However, he argued real commitment comes when people appear in person for training.

"No matter how helpful as it is at 2am, a digital tool won't keep you accountable at early morning before work," Dafydd concluded.

In the view of many, he said, the fitness center is a space to leave phones behind and take a break from technology.