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A runner

Following a holiday period filled with indulgent treats and downtime, many people enter January looking to get their fitness back on track.

However, is it possible that Artificial Intelligence be transforming the fitness industry by providing an option to personal trainers?

Tailored Plans and Flexible Schedules

Leah Walsh used an artificial intelligence application for impromptu preparation for the a major running event.

This young woman from Aberdare explained she appreciated the freedom to ask it questions at all hours – something she felt was not possible with a traditional coach.

Leah relied on an AI-driven fitness application that gave her personalised plans with voice guidance and speed targets for her inaugural half marathon in recent years.

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

Leah then tweaked the plan to fit her daily routine, 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 goal time.

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

"Using AI you have to find your own drive, which I actually prefer," she added.

Richard Gallimore

Remarkable Fitness Improvements

Meanwhile, Another individual, in his twenties, from a Welsh city, has been employing artificial intelligence for his fitness and diet plans, and said he has never felt stronger, increasing his bench press from a lower weight to 110kg.

He resorted to a AI assistant for assistance after being forced to walk a race.

"I realized I need to sort myself out," he said.

This no-cost application constructed a fitness and meal program tailored to his aims, and established organized workouts.

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

The Cost Comparison: AI vs. Conventional Coaching

One recent study in late 2024 compared costs for numerous of the largest fitness chains and found the typical monthly fee was approximately forty pounds per month, for standard full-access plans.

Prices started at a lower price at the most affordable chain to a premium rate at the most expensive.

According to further data, personal trainers determine their own fees, usually £30-£65 per hour-long appointment in most areas and about £45-£65 in London.

Customers will often use a coach once or twice a week and work with them for a short period, however these arrangements are often adaptable.

A personal trainer

The Irreplaceable Personal Touch

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

The 37-year-old, who has 12 years experience as a coach, focuses on senior clients and recovery from injuries. He mentioned a number of his trainees also use technology.

"I think it's extremely useful, more knowledge is positive," he said.

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

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

But, he argued real commitment comes when people show up in person for training.

"As useful as it is at 2am, a digital tool cannot ensure you show up at 7am before work," Dafydd concluded.

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