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Leah Walsh

After a holiday period filled with rich foods and relaxation, many people head into January aiming to regain their fitness momentum.

But, could AI be transforming the fitness industry by offering an alternative to personal trainers?

Personalized Programs and Flexible Schedules

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

This young woman from a town in Wales said she appreciated the freedom to pose queries at all hours – something she believed was not possible with a traditional coach.

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

She explained she asked it to design a plan merging running and the weight training, and it produced an 11-week programme customized to her race date and goals.

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

Subsequently, she chose a alternative application because it was cheaper and she could consult it at any time. Her result was a minute faster than her goal time.

She noted 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, Another individual, in his twenties, from a Welsh city, has been using AI for his fitness and diet plans, and said he has achieved peak strength, boosting his bench press from 70kg to 110kg.

He resorted to a AI assistant for assistance after being unable to run a running event.

"I just knew I had to get myself in shape," he commented.

This no-cost application built a workout and diet plan personalized to his aims, and created organized workouts.

"I train for about 120 minutes a day and I've seen a noticeable change," he added.

The Expense Comparison: AI vs. Traditional Training

A recent study in the previous year analyzed costs for numerous of the biggest gym brands and found the average membership cost was approximately forty pounds per month, for basic full-access plans.

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

According to industry research, personal trainers determine their own fees, usually a range of thirty to sixty-five pounds per 45-60 minute appointment in most areas and about a similar range in the capital.

Clients will often use a trainer once or twice a week and work with them for a few months, but these arrangements are often adaptable.

A personal trainer

The Irreplaceable Human Element

Personal trainer Dafydd Judd, from the Welsh capital, acknowledged AI can be useful to accelerate results, but is convinced it will not supplant the human connection and responsibility that in-person coaching provides.

This expert, who has over a decade of experience as a trainer, focuses on older adults and recovery from injuries. He said a number of his clients also employ technology.

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

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

Dafydd said Artificial intelligence can educate clients and make guidance more effective.

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

"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," he concluded.

For many, he said, the gym is a space to leave phones behind and take a break from technology.