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A runner

After a festive period packed with rich foods and downtime, numerous individuals enter January aiming to get their fitness back on track.

But, could Artificial Intelligence be transforming the fitness industry by offering an alternative to human coaches?

Personalized Plans and Adaptable Timelines

Leah Walsh used an AI tool for last-minute preparation for the a major running event.

The 21-year-old from Aberdare said she liked the liberty to ask it questions at all hours – something she believed was not possible with a traditional coach.

Leah relied on an AI-driven running app that provided her customized schedules with audio coaching and speed targets for her inaugural half marathon in recent years.

She explained she requested it to design a plan merging cardio and the gym, and it generated an 11-week programme tailored to her race date and goals.

Leah then tweaked the plan to suit 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 ask it questions at any time. Her result was a full minute quicker than her goal time.

She noted she wanted to avoid the pressure from a live instructor.

"With AI you have to motivate yourself, which I actually prefer," she added.

A weightlifter

Significant Fitness Improvements

Meanwhile, Another individual, 23, based in a Welsh city, has been employing artificial intelligence for his exercise and nutrition programs, and said he has achieved peak strength, boosting his bench press from 70kg to a much heavier load.

He resorted to a AI assistant for assistance after being unable to run a race.

"I realized I had to sort myself out," he said.

The free tool constructed a fitness and meal program personalized to his goals, and created structured routines.

"I work out for about 120 minutes a day and I've seen a real difference," he added.

The Expense Comparison: AI vs. Traditional Training

A recent survey in the previous year analyzed costs for numerous of the biggest fitness chains and found the average membership cost was approximately forty pounds a month, based on basic full-access plans.

Prices ranged from £23 at the cheapest provider to £132 at the most expensive.

Based on further data, fitness coaches set their own rates, typically £30-£65 per 45-60 minute session in most areas and about a similar range in the capital.

Clients typically use a trainer once or twice a week and work with them for a few months, but these agreements are completely flexible.

A personal trainer

The Essential Human Element

Fitness coach Dafydd Judd, based in Cardiff, said artificial intelligence can be beneficial to accelerate results, but is convinced it will not supplant the personal interaction 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 said some of his trainees also employ technology.

"I think it's very valuable, additional information is positive," he stated.

"I believe the more people are online the more they'll want personal contact because they crave the warmth from the understanding that is absent from a computer," he added.

Dafydd explained AI can inform users and make coaching more effective.

But, he argued real commitment comes when people appear in person for their sessions.

"As useful as it is at 2am, a digital tool won't keep you accountable at early morning before work," he concluded.

In the view of many, he said, the fitness center is a place to leave phones behind and stop being glued to screens.