🔗 Share this article

A runner

Following a holiday period packed with rich foods and downtime, numerous individuals head into the new year looking to regain their fitness momentum.

However, could Artificial Intelligence be changing the fitness industry by providing an option to personal trainers?

Personalized Programs and Flexible Schedules

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

This young woman hailing from a town in Wales said she liked the liberty to pose queries at all hours – something she felt was not possible with a personal trainer.

Leah used an AI-driven fitness application that provided her personalised plans with audio coaching and speed targets for her first half marathon in recent years.

She said she requested it to create a plan combining running and the gym, and it produced an multi-week programme tailored to her race date and objectives.

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

Subsequently, she chose a different tool because it was more affordable and she could ask it questions at any time. She finished a minute faster than her goal time.

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

"With artificial intelligence you have to motivate yourself, which I quite like," she remarked.

A weightlifter

Remarkable Fitness Improvements

In a similar case, Richard Gallimore, 23, based in Swansea, has been using AI for his fitness and diet plans, and reported he has never felt stronger, boosting his chest press from 70kg to a much heavier load.

Richard turned to a bot for assistance after being forced to walk a race.

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

This no-cost application constructed a workout and diet plan personalized to his goals, and established organized workouts.

"I work out for about two hours a day and I've seen a real difference," he added.

The Cost Comparison: AI vs. Conventional Coaching

One recent study in the previous year analyzed costs for numerous of the biggest fitness chains and found the typical monthly fee was approximately forty pounds a month, for standard full-access plans.

Fees started at £23 at the most affordable provider to a premium rate at the highest-priced.

Based on further data, personal trainers set their own rates, typically a range of thirty to sixty-five pounds per 45-60 minute session outside London and about £45-£65 in the capital.

Clients typically hire a trainer once or twice a week and work with them for a few months, however these agreements are often adaptable.

Dafydd Judd

The Essential Personal Element

Personal trainer Dafydd Judd, from the Welsh capital, said artificial intelligence can be useful to speed up progress, but is convinced it will not supplant the human connection and accountability that in-person coaching offers.

This expert, who has 12 years experience as a coach, specialises in older adults and injury rehabilitation. He mentioned a number of his clients also employ AI.

"In my opinion it's very valuable, more knowledge is positive," he stated.

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

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

However, he said true dedication comes when people appear physically for training.

"No matter how helpful as it is at 2am, a digital tool cannot ensure you show up at early morning before work," Dafydd concluded.

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