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A runner

After a holiday period filled with rich foods and relaxation, numerous individuals enter the new year aiming to get their fitness back on track.

But, could AI be transforming the fitness industry by offering an option to personal trainers?

Personalized Plans and Adaptable Timelines

Leah Walsh employed an AI tool for impromptu training for the Cardiff Half Marathon.

This young woman from Aberdare said she liked the freedom to pose queries at all hours – a feature she believed was unavailable with a personal trainer.

Leah relied on an AI-driven running app that provided her customized schedules with audio coaching and speed targets for her first long-distance race in recent years.

She explained she requested it to create a plan combining running and the gym, and it generated an 11-week plan customized to her race date and goals.

The user then tweaked the plan to suit her daily routine, which she said was convenient.

Subsequently, she chose a alternative application because it was more affordable and she could ask it questions whenever she wanted. She finished a full minute quicker than her target finish.

She noted she did not want feeling pressure from a human personal trainer.

"With AI you have to motivate yourself, which I quite like," she added.

A weightlifter

Remarkable Strength Improvements

Meanwhile, Another individual, in his twenties, based in Swansea, has been using AI for his exercise and nutrition programs, and said he has never felt stronger, increasing his bench press from a lower weight to 110kg.

He turned to a AI assistant for help after being unable to run a running event.

"I just knew I need to sort myself out," he commented.

The free tool built a fitness and meal program personalized to his goals, and created organized workouts.

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

The Cost Comparison: Technology vs. Conventional Training

One recent study in the previous year analyzed prices for numerous of the biggest fitness chains and found the typical monthly fee was around £38 a month, for standard full-access plans.

Prices ranged from a lower price at the most affordable chain to £132 at the highest-priced.

Based on industry research, fitness coaches determine their own fees, typically £30-£65 per hour-long session in most areas and about £45-£65 in the capital.

Customers will often hire a trainer once or twice a week and collaborate for a short period, however these arrangements are completely flexible.

A personal trainer

The Irreplaceable Human Element

Personal trainer Dafydd Judd, based in Cardiff, acknowledged AI can be beneficial to speed up progress, but believes it will never replace the personal interaction and accountability that in-person coaching offers.

This expert, who has over a decade of experience as a trainer, specialises in senior clients and recovery from injuries. He said a number of his trainees also use technology.

"I think it's very valuable, more knowledge is positive," he said.

"I think the more that people are connected digitally the more they'll desire personal contact because they want the warmth from the comprehension that is absent from a machine," he added.

The trainer said AI can educate clients and make guidance more efficient.

However, he argued real commitment comes when people show up in person for their sessions.

"No matter how helpful as it is at the middle of the night, a digital tool won't keep you accountable at 7am before work," Dafydd concluded.

In the view of many, he said, the fitness center is a space to disconnect from devices and stop being glued to screens.