Leah Walsh
Following a holiday period packed with rich foods and downtime, many people enter the new year aiming to get their fitness back on track.
However, is it possible that Artificial Intelligence be transforming the fitness industry by providing an alternative to human coaches?
Leah Walsh used an AI tool for last-minute training for the a major running event.
This young woman hailing from a town in Wales said she liked the liberty to ask it questions at all hours – a feature she believed was unavailable with a personal trainer.
Leah used an AI-driven fitness application that gave her customized schedules with audio coaching and speed targets for her inaugural long-distance race in 2024.
She explained she requested it to design a plan merging running and the weight training, and it generated an multi-week programme customized to her race date and objectives.
The user then tweaked the plan to suit her lifestyle, which she described was highly practical.
Subsequently, she opted for a alternative application because it was more affordable and she could consult it at any time. She finished a minute faster than her target finish.
She noted she wanted to avoid feeling pressure from a live instructor.
"With AI you have to motivate yourself, which I actually prefer," she added.
A weightlifter
Meanwhile, Richard Gallimore, in his twenties, from a Welsh city, has been using AI for his exercise and nutrition programs, and said he has never felt stronger, boosting his chest press from a lower weight to 110kg.
He turned to a AI assistant for assistance after being unable to run a race.
"I realized I had to get myself in shape," he said.
This no-cost application constructed a workout and diet plan personalized to his aims, and established organized workouts.
"I work out for about two hours a day and I've seen a real difference," he said.
One recent study in the previous year analyzed costs for 17 of the biggest fitness chains and found the average membership cost was approximately forty pounds a month, based on standard memberships.
Fees started at a lower price at the cheapest provider to £132 at the most expensive.
Based on further data, fitness coaches set their own rates, typically a range of thirty to sixty-five pounds per 45-60 minute appointment outside London and about £45-£65 in London.
Clients will often hire a trainer one or two times a week and work with them for a short period, however these arrangements are completely flexible.
A personal trainer
Fitness coach one experienced professional, based in the Welsh capital, acknowledged AI can be beneficial to accelerate results, but is convinced it will never replace the personal interaction and accountability that live training provides.
The 37-year-old, who has over a decade of experience as a coach, specialises in senior clients and recovery from injuries. He mentioned some of his trainees also employ AI.
"In my opinion it's extremely useful, additional information is good," he said.
"I believe the more people are connected digitally the more they'll want human connection because they want the warmth from the comprehension that is missing from a computer," he continued.
Dafydd explained AI can educate clients and make coaching more efficient.
However, he said true dedication comes when people show up in person for their sessions.
"As useful as it is at 2am, a computer cannot ensure you show up at early morning before work," he added.
For many, he suggested, the fitness center is a place to disconnect from devices and stop being glued to screens.
