Why an AI shouldn't be your personal trainer

AI is coming for your personal trainer, promising convenience and a data-driven approach. But I'm not worried (yet). Here's why.

The Deadlift Problem

I recently decided to put an AI to the test, asking it to write a six-week deadlift program. Now, to anyone who has spent time under a barbell, progress is slow and hard-won. A beginner might be able to add a lot of weight quickly, but for anyone who is already lifting heavy, a 2.5kg increase each month can be a huge win.

The AI's response? It gave me a programme that projected I could go from a 200kg deadlift to an astounding 265kg in just six weeks. This isn't just an unrealistic programme; it's a dangerous one. A real person would never design a week like that, because they understand the need for recovery, the demands on the nervous system, and the risk of injury. This is the biggest drawback of relying on AI for your fitness transformation. It can't think critically, and it can't feel.

What an AI can't do (but a human online coach can)

• Tailor the plan to your life, not just your metrics: An AI can only work with the data you give it. It doesn't know you had a terrible night's sleep, are feeling stressed at work, or have a nagging knee niggle. As your personal trainer, I take all of this into account, adjusting your bespoke training programme on the fly.

• Correct your form remotely: An app can show you a video, but it can't see what you're doing. Proper form is crucial for both results and injury prevention. With a human online coach, you have someone to perform video form analysis on your free weight movements, providing detailed feedback to ensure every rep is perfect.

• Offer true accountability and emotional support: A free AI tool can't check in on you—it doesn't call, text, or follow up (and it shouldn't!). While some AI fitness apps offer push notifications, the best ones that provide a semblance of support are paid subscriptions anyway. When you're considering spending money, the accountability and rapport you build with an expert trainer are powerful motivators. We're here to celebrate your wins, help you work through setbacks, and give you that gentle nudge when you need it most. We're not just a programme; we're a partnership.

• Leverage technology for a smarter journey: An AI can't replace a trainer, but it can be a useful tool. A great coach will show you how to use technology to support your journey, for things like tracking your food or logging your progress. This adds a layer of precision to your fitness transformation, guided by a professional.

• Provide a holistic approach: Your fitness transformation is about more than just your time in the gym. As a real person, I can offer comprehensive nutrition coaching and meal planning and hands-on recovery solutions like sports massage, which an AI simply cannot.

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Ultimately, an AI can provide a list of exercises, but it can't provide the experience, empathy, and adaptability of a real human. When you want to achieve safe, sustainable, and life-changing results, there's no substitute for a human.

Ready to start your fitness transformation with a human online coach who understands your needs? Click here to book a free consultation.