Leah Walsh
After a holiday period filled with rich foods and downtime, numerous individuals head into the new year aiming to regain their fitness momentum.
However, is it possible that Artificial Intelligence be changing the fitness industry by offering an option to human coaches?
Leah Walsh employed an AI tool for impromptu training for the Cardiff Half Marathon.
The 21-year-old hailing from Aberdare explained she appreciated the liberty to ask it questions any time of day – a feature she believed was unavailable with a traditional coach.
Leah relied on an AI-powered running app that gave her customized schedules with voice guidance and pace setting for her inaugural long-distance race in recent years.
She said she asked it to create a regimen merging running and the gym, and it produced an multi-week programme customized to her race date and objectives.
Leah then tweaked the plan to fit her lifestyle, which she said was highly practical.
Subsequently, she opted for a different tool because it was cheaper and she could consult it whenever she wanted. She finished a minute faster than her goal time.
She noted she did not want the pressure from a human personal trainer.
"Using AI you have to motivate yourself, which I actually prefer," she remarked.
Richard Gallimore
In a similar case, Another individual, 23, from Swansea, has been using artificial intelligence for his exercise and nutrition programs, and said he has achieved peak strength, boosting his chest press from 70kg to 110kg.
He turned to a bot for assistance after being forced to walk 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 personalized to his goals, and established organized workouts.
"I train for about two hours a day and I've seen a noticeable change," he said.
One recent study in late 2024 analyzed prices for numerous of the biggest fitness chains and found the typical monthly fee was approximately forty pounds per month, based on standard memberships.
Prices ranged from £23 at the most affordable chain to a premium rate at the highest-priced.
According to further data, fitness coaches determine their own fees, typically £30-£65 per hour-long appointment outside London and about a similar range in the capital.
Customers typically use a coach once or twice a week and collaborate for a short period, however these agreements are completely flexible.
Dafydd Judd
Personal trainer one experienced professional, from Cardiff, said AI can be beneficial to speed up progress, but believes it will never replace the human connection and accountability that live training offers.
This expert, who has over a decade of experience as a coach, specialises in senior clients and recovery from injuries. He mentioned a number of his trainees also employ AI.
"In my opinion it's extremely useful, more knowledge is good," he stated.
"I think the more people are connected digitally the more they'll want personal contact because they crave the empathy from the comprehension that is absent from a machine," he added.
Dafydd said AI can educate users and make coaching more efficient.
But, he argued true dedication comes when people appear physically for their sessions.
"As useful as it is at the middle of the night, a digital tool won't keep you accountable at early morning before work," he concluded.
For many, he said, the fitness center is a space to disconnect from devices and stop being glued to screens.
A tech enthusiast and gaming aficionado with over a decade of experience in digital media and content creation.
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