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A runner

Following a holiday period filled with indulgent treats and relaxation, numerous individuals enter January looking to get their fitness back on track.

However, is it possible that Artificial Intelligence be changing the fitness industry by offering an alternative to human coaches?

Tailored Programs and Adaptable Timelines

One fitness enthusiast used an artificial intelligence application for impromptu preparation for the a major running event.

This young woman hailing from a town in Wales explained she liked the liberty to ask it questions at all hours – something she believed was not possible with a personal trainer.

Leah relied on an AI-powered fitness application that gave her personalised plans with voice guidance and speed targets for her first long-distance race in recent years.

She said she requested it to design a plan combining running and the gym, and it generated an multi-week plan tailored to her event day and objectives.

The user then tweaked the schedule to suit her lifestyle, which she said was highly practical.

The following year, she chose a alternative application because it was more affordable and she could ask it questions whenever she wanted. Her result was a full minute quicker than her target finish.

She said she did not want the pressure from a human personal trainer.

"Using artificial intelligence you have to motivate yourself, which I quite like," she remarked.

Richard Gallimore

Remarkable Strength Improvements

Meanwhile, Richard Gallimore, 23, from a Welsh city, has been employing artificial intelligence for his fitness and diet plans, and reported he has achieved peak strength, boosting his chest press from 70kg to a much heavier load.

Richard resorted to a AI assistant for help after being unable to run a race.

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

The free tool constructed a workout and diet plan personalized to his aims, and established structured routines.

"I work out for about two hours a day and I've seen a noticeable change," he said.

The Expense Comparison: Technology vs. Conventional Coaching

One recent study in the previous year compared costs for numerous of the largest gym brands and found the typical monthly fee was around £38 per month, for basic full-access plans.

Fees ranged from £23 at the cheapest provider to a premium rate at the most expensive.

Based on industry research, personal trainers set their own rates, usually a range of thirty to sixty-five pounds per hour-long appointment in most areas and about £45-£65 in London.

Clients will often hire a coach once or twice a week and collaborate for a few months, but these arrangements are completely flexible.

A personal trainer

The Essential Human Element

Personal trainer Dafydd Judd, based in Cardiff, said artificial intelligence can be beneficial to speed up progress, but believes it will never replace the human connection and accountability that in-person coaching offers.

This expert, who has 12 years experience as a trainer, specialises in older adults and injury rehabilitation. He said a number of his trainees also use AI.

"In my opinion it's very valuable, more knowledge is good," he said.

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

The trainer said Artificial intelligence can inform users and make guidance more effective.

However, he argued true dedication 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 7am before work," he added.

For many, he said, the gym is a place to leave phones behind and take a break from technology.