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A runner

Following a festive period packed with indulgent treats and downtime, many people enter January looking to regain their fitness momentum.

However, is it possible that Artificial Intelligence be transforming the fitness industry by offering an option to human coaches?

Personalized Programs and Flexible Timelines

One fitness enthusiast employed an AI tool for last-minute preparation for the a major running event.

The 21-year-old from Aberdare explained she liked the liberty to pose queries at all hours – something she felt was unavailable with a personal trainer.

Leah relied on an AI-driven fitness application that gave her personalised plans with voice guidance and speed targets for her first long-distance race in recent years.

She explained she requested it to create a regimen merging running and the gym, and it generated an 11-week plan customized to her race date and goals.

Leah then adjusted the plan to suit her daily routine, which she said was convenient.

The following year, she opted for a alternative application because it was cheaper and she could ask it questions at any time. Her result was a full minute quicker than her goal time.

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

"With AI you have to find your own drive, which I quite like," she remarked.

Richard Gallimore

Remarkable Fitness Gains

Meanwhile, Richard Gallimore, 23, from Swansea, has been employing artificial intelligence for his exercise and nutrition programs, and said he has never felt stronger, increasing his bench press from a lower weight to a much heavier load.

Richard resorted to a bot for assistance after being unable to run a running event.

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

This no-cost application constructed 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 noticeable change," he said.

The Cost Comparison: AI vs. Traditional Coaching

A recent survey in late 2024 analyzed costs for numerous of the biggest gym brands and found the average membership cost was approximately forty pounds a month, for basic memberships.

Prices ranged from £23 at the most affordable chain to a premium rate at the most expensive.

Based on further data, personal trainers determine their own fees, usually a range of thirty to sixty-five pounds per hour-long appointment outside London and about £45-£65 in the capital.

Clients typically hire a trainer once or twice a week and collaborate for a few months, however these agreements are completely flexible.

A personal trainer

The Essential Human Element

Fitness coach one experienced professional, based in Cardiff, said AI can be beneficial to speed up progress, but is convinced it will not supplant the personal interaction and accountability that live training offers.

The 37-year-old, who has over a decade of experience as a trainer, focuses on senior clients and injury rehabilitation. He said some of his clients also use AI.

"I think it's extremely useful, more knowledge is positive," he said.

"I think the more that people are online the more they'll want personal contact because they want the empathy from the comprehension that is absent from a machine," he continued.

The trainer explained AI can inform clients and make coaching more efficient.

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

"As useful as it is at the middle of the night, a digital tool won't keep you accountable at 7am before work," he concluded.

In the view of many, he said, the fitness center is a place to leave phones behind and take a break from technology.