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A runner

After a holiday period filled with rich foods and relaxation, many people head into January aiming to regain their fitness momentum.

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

Personalized Plans and Flexible Timelines

One fitness enthusiast employed an AI tool for impromptu training for the a major running event.

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

She used an AI-powered fitness application that provided her customized schedules with voice guidance and speed targets for her inaugural half marathon in recent years.

She explained she requested it to create a plan combining running and the weight training, and it produced an multi-week programme tailored to her event day and goals.

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

The following year, she opted for a different tool because it was cheaper and she could ask it questions whenever she wanted. Her result was a minute faster than her target finish.

She noted she did not want the pressure from a live instructor.

"With artificial intelligence you have to find your own drive, which I actually prefer," she remarked.

A weightlifter

Significant Fitness Gains

In a similar case, Another individual, 23, based in a Welsh city, has been using AI for his fitness and diet plans, and reported he has never felt stronger, boosting his chest press from a lower weight to 110kg.

He turned to a AI assistant for help after being unable to run a running event.

"I just knew I had to get myself in shape," he commented.

This no-cost application built a workout and diet plan tailored to his goals, and created organized workouts.

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

The Expense Contrast: Technology vs. Traditional Coaching

One recent survey in late 2024 compared prices for numerous of the largest gym brands and found the average membership cost was approximately forty pounds a month, for basic memberships.

Fees started at £23 at the most affordable provider to £132 at the highest-priced.

According to further data, fitness coaches determine their own fees, typically a range of thirty to sixty-five pounds per hour-long appointment outside London and about a similar range in the capital.

Clients will often hire a trainer once or twice a week and collaborate for a short period, however these arrangements are completely flexible.

Dafydd Judd

The Essential Personal Element

Fitness coach one experienced professional, from the Welsh capital, said artificial intelligence can be useful to speed up progress, but is convinced it will never replace the personal interaction and accountability that live training provides.

This expert, who has over a decade of experience as a trainer, specialises in older adults and injury rehabilitation. He mentioned a number of his trainees also use AI.

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

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

The trainer explained Artificial intelligence can inform clients and make coaching more effective.

But, he said real commitment comes when people appear physically for their sessions.

"No matter how helpful as it is at the middle of the night, a digital tool cannot ensure you show up at early morning before work," he concluded.

For many, he suggested, the gym is a space to leave phones behind and take a break from technology.