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A runner

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

However, could AI be transforming the fitness industry by providing an option to human coaches?

Personalized Programs and Flexible Schedules

One fitness enthusiast used an artificial intelligence application for last-minute preparation for the Cardiff Half Marathon.

The 21-year-old hailing from a town in Wales explained she appreciated the liberty to ask it questions at all hours – a feature she believed was unavailable with a personal trainer.

Leah relied on an AI-powered fitness application that gave her personalised plans with audio coaching and pace setting for her inaugural half marathon in 2024.

She said she asked it to design a regimen combining running and the gym, and it produced an multi-week plan customized to her event day and goals.

Leah then adjusted the schedule to fit her lifestyle, which she said was highly practical.

The following year, she opted for a different tool because it was more affordable and she could consult it at any time. She finished a minute faster than her goal time.

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

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

Richard Gallimore

Remarkable Fitness Improvements

Meanwhile, Richard Gallimore, 23, based in Swansea, has been using artificial intelligence for his fitness and diet plans, and said he has never felt stronger, increasing his chest press from a lower weight to 110kg.

Richard resorted to a bot for assistance after being forced to walk a running event.

"I realized I need to sort myself out," he commented.

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

"I train for about two hours a day and I've seen a real difference," he said.

The Expense Comparison: AI vs. Traditional Coaching

A recent survey in the previous year analyzed costs for numerous of the biggest fitness chains and found the typical monthly fee was around £38 per month, for standard memberships.

Fees ranged from £23 at the cheapest chain to a premium rate at the most expensive.

Based on further data, fitness coaches set their own rates, usually a range of thirty to sixty-five pounds per hour-long appointment in most areas and about £45-£65 in the capital.

Clients will often use a coach once or twice a week and collaborate for a short period, but these arrangements are completely flexible.

Dafydd Judd

The Irreplaceable 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 human connection and responsibility that in-person coaching offers.

The 37-year-old, who has over a decade of experience as a coach, specialises in senior clients and injury rehabilitation. He mentioned some of his clients also employ AI.

"In my opinion it's extremely useful, more knowledge is positive," he stated.

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

Dafydd explained Artificial intelligence can educate users and make guidance more effective.

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

"As useful as it is at the middle of the night, a digital tool cannot ensure you show up at early morning before work," he concluded.

In the view of many, he suggested, the gym is a space to disconnect from devices and take a break from technology.