A runner
Following a festive period packed with indulgent treats and downtime, numerous individuals head into January aiming to regain their fitness momentum.
But, could Artificial Intelligence be changing the fitness industry by providing an option to human coaches?
Leah Walsh employed an AI tool for impromptu preparation for the a major running event.
The 21-year-old from a town in Wales explained she liked the freedom to ask it questions at all hours – something she believed was unavailable with a personal trainer.
Leah used an AI-powered fitness application that provided her customized schedules with voice guidance and speed targets for her first half marathon in 2024.
She explained she asked it to create a plan merging running and the gym, and it generated an 11-week programme customized to her event day and goals.
Leah then adjusted the plan to fit her daily routine, which she described was highly practical.
Subsequently, she opted for a alternative application because it was more affordable and she could ask it questions at any time. She finished a minute faster than her target finish.
She noted she did not want feeling pressure from a live instructor.
"With artificial intelligence you have to find your own drive, which I quite like," she remarked.
Richard Gallimore
Meanwhile, Richard Gallimore, 23, based in Swansea, has been using AI for his fitness and diet plans, and said he has never felt stronger, boosting his chest press from a lower weight to 110kg.
He turned to a bot for assistance after being forced to walk a race.
"I realized I need to sort myself out," he commented.
This no-cost application built a workout and diet plan personalized to his goals, and created organized workouts.
"I work out for about 120 minutes a day and I've seen a real difference," he said.
A recent study in late 2024 analyzed costs for 17 of the biggest fitness chains and found the average membership cost was approximately forty pounds per month, based on standard memberships.
Prices started at a lower price at the cheapest provider to £132 at the highest-priced.
Based on industry research, personal trainers set their own rates, typically £30-£65 per 45-60 minute session in most areas and about £45-£65 in London.
Clients will often hire a coach once or twice a week and work with them for a few months, but these arrangements are completely flexible.
A personal trainer
Fitness coach Dafydd Judd, based in the Welsh capital, said artificial intelligence can be useful to speed up progress, but is convinced it will never replace the human connection and accountability that in-person coaching provides.
The 37-year-old, who has 12 years experience as a trainer, specialises in older adults and recovery from injuries. He mentioned some of his trainees also use AI.
"I think it's extremely useful, additional information is positive," he stated.
"I believe the more that people are online the more they'll want human connection because they want the empathy from the understanding that is missing from a machine," he added.
The trainer explained AI can educate clients and make coaching more effective.
But, he said real commitment comes when people appear physically for training.
"As useful as it is at 2am, a computer cannot ensure you show up at 7am before work," he added.
For many, he said, the fitness center is a place to disconnect from devices and take a break from technology.
A seasoned casino analyst with over a decade of experience in gaming strategies and industry trends.
