Leah Walsh
After a holiday period filled with indulgent treats and downtime, numerous individuals enter the new year looking to get their fitness back on track.
However, is it possible that Artificial Intelligence be transforming the fitness industry by providing an option to human coaches?
Leah Walsh used an AI tool for impromptu training for the Cardiff Half Marathon.
This young woman from a town in Wales explained she liked the freedom to pose queries at all hours – something she felt was not possible with a personal trainer.
She used an AI-driven running app that provided her customized schedules with voice guidance and speed targets for her inaugural long-distance race in 2024.
She explained she asked it to create a plan merging running and the weight training, and it produced an multi-week programme customized to her event day and objectives.
Leah then tweaked the schedule to fit her lifestyle, which she described was highly practical.
Subsequently, she chose a alternative application because it was cheaper and she could consult it at any time. She finished a full minute quicker than her goal time.
She said she wanted to avoid the pressure from a live instructor.
"Using artificial intelligence you have to motivate yourself, which I actually prefer," she added.
A weightlifter
In a similar case, Another individual, in his twenties, from a Welsh city, has been using artificial intelligence for his exercise and nutrition programs, and said he has achieved peak strength, increasing his bench press from a lower weight to a much heavier load.
Richard resorted to a bot for assistance after being forced to walk a running event.
"I just knew I had to get myself in shape," he said.
The free tool built a fitness and meal program personalized to his goals, and established structured routines.
"I train for about 120 minutes a day and I've seen a noticeable change," he said.
One recent survey in late 2024 compared prices for numerous of the largest fitness chains and found the average membership cost was approximately forty pounds a month, based on standard full-access plans.
Fees ranged from a lower price at the most affordable chain to £132 at the most expensive.
Based on further data, personal trainers determine their own fees, typically £30-£65 per hour-long session in most areas and about a similar range in the capital.
Customers typically use a coach one or two times a week and collaborate for a few months, but these agreements are completely flexible.
A personal trainer
Fitness coach one experienced professional, based in the Welsh capital, acknowledged AI can be useful to accelerate results, but is convinced it will never replace the personal interaction and responsibility that in-person coaching offers.
The 37-year-old, who has 12 years experience as a coach, specialises in senior clients and recovery from injuries. He mentioned some of his clients also use AI.
"In my opinion it's extremely useful, additional information is good," he said.
"I believe the more that people are connected digitally the more they'll desire personal contact because they crave the empathy from the understanding that is absent from a computer," he added.
Dafydd said AI can inform users and make guidance more effective.
But, he said real commitment comes when people show up physically for training.
"As useful 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 fitness center is a space to disconnect from devices and stop being glued to screens.
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