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Leah Walsh

After a festive period filled with rich foods and relaxation, numerous individuals head into January aiming to get their fitness back on track.

But, is it possible that AI be transforming the fitness industry by offering an alternative to human coaches?

Tailored Plans and Adaptable Timelines

Leah Walsh used an AI tool for last-minute training for the Cardiff Half Marathon.

This young woman hailing from Aberdare explained she liked the liberty to pose queries any time of day – something she believed was unavailable with a personal trainer.

She used an AI-driven running app that provided her personalised plans with voice guidance and speed targets for her inaugural long-distance race in recent years.

She said she requested it to design a plan merging cardio and the weight training, and it produced an multi-week plan tailored to her race date and objectives.

The user then adjusted the schedule to fit her daily routine, which she said was convenient.

Subsequently, she chose a alternative application because it was more affordable and she could consult it whenever she wanted. She finished a full minute quicker than her target finish.

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

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

Richard Gallimore

Remarkable Strength Improvements

In a similar case, Another individual, 23, from a Welsh city, has been using artificial intelligence for his exercise and nutrition programs, and said he has achieved peak strength, boosting his chest press from a lower weight to a much heavier load.

He turned to a bot for help after being unable to run a race.

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

The free tool constructed a fitness and meal program tailored to his goals, and created structured routines.

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

The Cost Contrast: Technology vs. Traditional Coaching

One recent survey in the previous year compared prices for numerous of the largest fitness chains and found the average membership cost was approximately forty pounds a month, for standard memberships.

Fees started at a lower price at the cheapest provider to a premium rate at the highest-priced.

According to industry research, personal trainers determine their own fees, typically £30-£65 per hour-long session outside London and about a similar range in the capital.

Customers will often hire a trainer one or two times a week and collaborate for a few months, however these arrangements are completely flexible.

Dafydd Judd

The Irreplaceable Personal Element

Fitness coach one experienced professional, from the Welsh capital, acknowledged artificial intelligence can be useful to speed up progress, but believes it will not supplant the human connection and accountability that live training provides.

This expert, who has over a decade of experience as a trainer, specialises in senior clients and recovery from injuries. He mentioned some of his clients also use technology.

"I think it's very valuable, additional information is good," he said.

"I believe the more people are connected digitally the more they'll want personal contact because they crave the empathy from the comprehension that is absent from a computer," he continued.

Dafydd said AI can inform clients and make coaching more effective.

However, he argued real commitment comes when people show up in person for their sessions.

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

In the view of many, he suggested, the fitness center is a space to disconnect from devices and stop being glued to screens.