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A runner

Following a holiday period filled with indulgent treats and relaxation, many people head into the new year looking to get their fitness back on track.

However, could AI be changing the fitness industry by providing an option to human coaches?

Personalized Plans and Adaptable Timelines

One fitness enthusiast used an AI tool for impromptu training for the a major running event.

This young woman hailing from Aberdare explained she liked the freedom to ask it questions at all hours – a feature she felt was unavailable with a traditional coach.

Leah used an AI-driven running app that provided her personalised plans with voice guidance and pace setting for her first half marathon in recent years.

She said she asked it to design a plan combining cardio and the gym, and it produced an multi-week plan customized to her event day and goals.

The user then tweaked the plan to fit her lifestyle, which she said was convenient.

The following year, she opted for a different tool because it was cheaper and she could consult it whenever she wanted. She finished a minute faster than her target finish.

She said she did not want feeling pressure from a human personal trainer.

"Using AI you have to motivate yourself, which I quite like," she remarked.

A weightlifter

Remarkable Strength Gains

Meanwhile, Richard Gallimore, 23, from Swansea, has been employing artificial intelligence for his fitness and diet plans, and said he has never felt stronger, boosting his bench press from 70kg to a much heavier load.

He turned to a AI assistant for assistance after being forced to walk a running event.

"I just knew I had to sort myself out," he commented.

This no-cost application built a workout and diet plan personalized to his goals, and established structured routines.

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

The Cost Comparison: Technology vs. Conventional Coaching

One recent survey in the previous year analyzed prices for 17 of the largest fitness chains and found the average membership cost was around £38 a month, based on basic full-access plans.

Prices ranged from a lower price at the cheapest provider to £132 at the most expensive.

Based on industry research, fitness coaches determine their own fees, usually £30-£65 per hour-long session outside London and about a similar range in London.

Clients will often use a trainer once or twice a week and collaborate for a short period, but these arrangements are completely flexible.

A personal trainer

The Irreplaceable Human Element

Personal trainer one experienced professional, from the Welsh capital, said artificial intelligence can be useful to speed up progress, but believes it will not supplant the personal interaction and accountability that in-person coaching 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 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 empathy from the understanding that is absent from a machine," he added.

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

But, he said real commitment comes when people appear physically 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," he concluded.

In the view of many, he suggested, the gym is a place to leave phones behind and take a break from technology.