🔗 Share this article

Leah Walsh

After a holiday period packed with indulgent treats and relaxation, numerous individuals head into January looking to regain their fitness momentum.

However, could Artificial Intelligence be transforming the fitness industry by providing an option to human coaches?

Personalized Programs and Flexible Schedules

Leah Walsh used an AI tool for impromptu preparation for the a major running event.

The 21-year-old from Aberdare 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 used an AI-powered fitness application that provided her customized schedules with voice guidance and pace setting for her first half marathon in recent years.

She explained she asked it to design a plan merging cardio and the weight training, and it generated an 11-week programme customized to her event day and objectives.

Leah then adjusted the plan to fit her lifestyle, which she said was convenient.

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

"Using artificial intelligence you have to motivate yourself, which I actually prefer," she remarked.

Richard Gallimore

Remarkable Fitness Improvements

In a similar case, Richard Gallimore, 23, from Swansea, has been employing AI for his exercise and nutrition programs, and reported he has never felt stronger, increasing his bench press from 70kg to a much heavier load.

Richard resorted to a bot for help after being unable to run a running event.

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

The free tool built a fitness and meal program tailored to his goals, and established organized workouts.

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

The Expense Comparison: AI vs. Traditional Coaching

A recent survey in the previous year compared prices for 17 of the largest gym brands and found the average membership cost was approximately forty pounds a month, based on basic memberships.

Fees started at £23 at the cheapest chain to £132 at the highest-priced.

Based on industry research, personal trainers set their own rates, typically £30-£65 per hour-long session outside London and about £45-£65 in London.

Customers typically hire 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 Personal Touch

Fitness coach Dafydd Judd, based in the Welsh capital, said AI can be useful to accelerate results, but believes it will never replace the personal interaction and responsibility that in-person coaching offers.

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

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

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

The trainer said Artificial intelligence can inform users and make coaching more efficient.

But, he said 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 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.