The short answer is no, AI will not replace personal trainers, at least anytime soon. You have probably seen versions of the phrase “AI won't replace trainers, but trainers who use AI will replace trainers who don't use AI.” This can be said for any technology that has the power to transform an industry, and now AI has the power to transform every industry and that can be scary or it can be exciting! 

If technology alone could replace personal trainers then we would have seen obesity go away with the invention of the treadmill, or anyone with access to YouTube would have found a trainer online and live training would not be a thing. Obviously obesity is still an epidemic, men in particular have the lowest testosterone levels on record, and rates of anxiety and depression related to health and body image are skyrocketing. People everywhere still need the individualized information and accountability that a trainer can provide. Out of curiosity I asked the most popular AI, ChatGPT, “can you replace a personal trainer?” and this is the response;

As an AI language model, I can provide information and guidance on various topics, including fitness and exercise. However, it's important to note that I cannot physically train you or provide real-time feedback on your form or technique. A personal trainer offers personalized instruction, motivation, and accountability, which can be invaluable for achieving your fitness goals safely and effectively.

ChatGPT itself hits on two of the most important functions of a trainer, feedback and accountability. Feedback can be positive and motivating, or instructional and corrective. Not everyone has the same level of internal motivation or desire to work out at 5am, but if they know a trainer is waiting for them at the gym or on camera they are infinitely more likely to show up. People don't like disappointing other people and not wanting to let a trainer down can be quite motivating. Some clients who come to a trainer have minimal to no experience with exercise, others have a lot, including experience with other trainers. An AI model telling you to perform 10 squats but not being able to provide immediate feedback on how your knees look, if your low back is arching, or if your shoulders are dropping is not as effective as a real person standing next to you during a routine. 

If you are looking to start a routine you first need to ask what is stopping you from starting (check out the two most recent blog posts for more on this). If you have exercise experience, are generally healthy and self-motivated and are simply short on time to design your own workout then sure, go ask ChatGPT to build you a 3 day workout split and you can probably get some fun ideas. If you are not as experienced, have some injuries that require constant monitoring, or need the extra accountability then you may want to start with a trainer and once you feel more comfortable you can always start integrating AI written workouts into your routine. 

AI and tools like ChatGPT are just that, tools. By itself AI cannot replace the accountability and personalized attention that a qualified trainer can provide, at least not yet. A good trainer will start to use AI to help build a program for a client and make sure the moves selected align with the client’s goals and limitations but at the moment that is it. I personally am excited to see where AI can take the fitness industry in the future and if you or your trainer is not using AI today then you are likely missing out on the next big thing.