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A runner

After a festive period packed with rich foods and relaxation, many people enter January aiming to regain their fitness momentum.

But, could Artificial Intelligence be transforming the fitness industry by providing an alternative to personal trainers?

Personalized Programs and Adaptable Schedules

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

This young woman hailing from a town in Wales explained she appreciated the liberty to pose queries any time of day – something she believed was unavailable with a traditional coach.

She used an AI-powered running app that provided her personalised plans with audio coaching and pace setting for her inaugural half marathon in recent years.

She explained she asked it to create a regimen merging running and the weight training, and it produced an 11-week programme customized to her event day and goals.

Leah then adjusted the schedule to suit her lifestyle, which she described was highly practical.

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

She said she wanted to avoid feeling pressure from a human personal trainer.

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

A weightlifter

Significant Fitness Gains

In a similar case, Richard Gallimore, 23, based in Swansea, has been using AI for his exercise and nutrition programs, and said he has never felt stronger, boosting his bench press from a lower weight to 110kg.

Richard turned to a AI assistant for help after being forced to walk a running event.

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

The free tool constructed a workout and diet plan tailored to his aims, and established organized workouts.

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

The Cost Comparison: Technology vs. Traditional Coaching

One recent study in the previous year analyzed prices for numerous of the biggest fitness chains and found the average membership cost was around £38 a month, based on standard memberships.

Fees started at £23 at the cheapest chain to a premium rate at the most expensive.

Based on industry research, fitness coaches set their own rates, typically a range of thirty to sixty-five pounds per hour-long appointment in most areas and about a similar range in London.

Clients typically use a trainer once or twice a week and collaborate for a few months, however these agreements are often adaptable.

Dafydd Judd

The Irreplaceable Personal Element

Personal trainer Dafydd Judd, based in the Welsh capital, acknowledged AI can be beneficial to accelerate results, but is convinced it will never replace the personal interaction and responsibility that live training offers.

The 37-year-old, who has over a decade of experience as a trainer, specialises in senior clients and recovery from injuries. He said some of his clients also employ technology.

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

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

Dafydd explained Artificial intelligence can inform users and make coaching more efficient.

But, he said real commitment comes when people show up in person for their sessions.

"No matter how helpful as it is at 2am, a digital tool won't keep you accountable at early morning before work," Dafydd concluded.

In the view of many, he said, the fitness center is a space to disconnect from devices and take a break from technology.