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A runner

After a festive period packed with rich foods and relaxation, many people enter January aiming to regain their fitness momentum.

However, could Artificial Intelligence be changing the fitness industry by providing an alternative to human coaches?

Tailored Programs and Flexible Timelines

Leah Walsh used an artificial intelligence application for impromptu preparation for the Cardiff Half Marathon.

The 21-year-old from a town in Wales said she appreciated the liberty to ask it questions at all hours – something she felt was not possible with a personal trainer.

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

She explained she asked it to create a regimen combining running and the weight training, and it produced an 11-week plan tailored to her race date and goals.

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

Subsequently, she opted for a different tool because it was cheaper and she could ask it questions at any time. She finished a minute faster than her target finish.

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

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

Richard Gallimore

Remarkable Fitness Gains

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 help after being unable to run a race.

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

This no-cost application constructed a workout and diet plan tailored to his aims, and established structured routines.

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

The Expense Comparison: Technology vs. Traditional Coaching

One recent study in the previous year analyzed costs for numerous of the biggest fitness chains and found the average membership cost was around £38 per month, based on standard memberships.

Prices started at £23 at the most affordable provider to £132 at the most expensive.

According to industry research, fitness coaches set their own rates, usually £30-£65 per hour-long session in most areas and about a similar range in London.

Customers will often hire a trainer once or twice a week and work with them for a short period, but these agreements are completely flexible.

A personal trainer

The Irreplaceable Personal Touch

Personal trainer one experienced professional, from the Welsh capital, said artificial intelligence can be beneficial to speed up progress, but believes it will never replace the personal interaction 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 a number of his trainees also employ technology.

"I think it's extremely useful, additional information is good," he said.

"I believe the more people are online the more they'll desire human connection because they want the warmth from the understanding that is missing from a machine," he added.

The trainer said AI can educate users and make coaching more effective.

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

"No matter how helpful 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 gym is a place to leave phones behind and take a break from technology.