A runner
After a holiday period filled with indulgent treats and relaxation, numerous individuals enter the new year looking to get their fitness back on track.
But, could Artificial Intelligence be changing the fitness industry by offering an option to human coaches?
One fitness enthusiast employed an artificial intelligence application for last-minute training for the Cardiff Half Marathon.
This young woman hailing from a town in Wales said she appreciated the freedom to ask it questions any time of day – a feature she believed was not possible with a personal trainer.
She used an AI-powered fitness application that gave her personalised plans with voice guidance and pace setting for her first long-distance race in 2024.
She explained she asked it to design a plan combining cardio and the weight training, and it generated an multi-week plan customized to her event day and goals.
Leah then adjusted the plan to fit her daily routine, which she described was convenient.
The following year, she chose a alternative application because it was more affordable and she could consult it whenever she wanted. Her result was a minute faster than her goal time.
She noted she did not want the pressure from a live instructor.
"Using artificial intelligence you have to find your own drive, which I quite like," she remarked.
A weightlifter
Meanwhile, Richard Gallimore, in his twenties, based in Swansea, has been using AI for his fitness and diet plans, and said he has achieved peak strength, increasing his chest press from 70kg to a much heavier load.
Richard resorted to a AI assistant for help after being unable to run a race.
"I realized I need to sort myself out," he said.
This no-cost application constructed a workout and diet plan personalized to his goals, and created structured routines.
"I work out for about two hours a day and I've seen a noticeable change," he added.
A recent survey in the previous year analyzed costs for numerous of the biggest fitness chains and found the average membership cost was approximately forty pounds a month, based on basic memberships.
Prices ranged from a lower price at the most affordable 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 a similar range in London.
Customers typically hire a trainer one or two times a week and work with them for a few months, but these arrangements are completely flexible.
A personal trainer
Fitness coach Dafydd Judd, from the Welsh capital, acknowledged artificial intelligence can be useful to speed up progress, but is convinced it will never replace the human connection and accountability that live training provides.
The 37-year-old, who has 12 years experience as a trainer, focuses on older adults and injury rehabilitation. He mentioned some of his trainees also use AI.
"In my opinion it's very valuable, more knowledge is good," he said.
"I think the more people are online the more they'll want personal contact because they want the empathy from the comprehension that is missing from a machine," he added.
Dafydd explained AI can inform clients and make guidance more effective.
But, he argued true dedication comes when people appear in person for their sessions.
"No matter how helpful as it is at the middle of the night, a computer cannot ensure you show up at 7am before work," Dafydd added.
In the view of many, he suggested, the gym is a space to leave phones behind and stop being glued to screens.
Elara is a passionate writer and photographer who shares insights on creativity and mindful living through engaging storytelling.
