"Hey Chatbot, build me a 6-week plan to build more muscle. Hey Chatbot, what's the fastest way to get a six-pack? Hey Chatbot, make me a training plan to run a sub 4-hour marathon." These are just a few of the questions people are throwing at AI platforms like ChatGPT and getting answers in seconds.
With fast, free access to some of the best AI chatbots, it's easy to see why people are using them as a cost-free alternative to hiring a trainer or paying for a premium workout app. But while it's convenient and often inspiring, can AI really replace a human coach when it comes to safe, effective training?
To find out, we spoke to a personal trainer about the risks and realities of using AI for fitness guidance and how you can make it work safely.
"One of the biggest risks is that AI doesn't truly know you, nor can it assess your movement quality, injury history, mobility limitations, or individual biomechanics," says Johnson.
It can be especially dangerous for beginners who may not know their own limits or ability level, and therefore, relying on a robot to build you a workout plan can be dangerous. Or as Johnson puts it, "It isn't just ineffective but a fast track to injury."
Unlike a human trainer, AI can't see your form, spot fatigue, or adapt your plan in real time. It may also overlook key phases like deload weeks or recovery days, and without feedback, even small mistakes can compound over time. The result can be poor progress at best and an increased risk of injury at worst.
That doesn't mean you should ditch AI completely. It just means using it thoughtfully and paying attention to how your body responds to the exercise you choose to do. If you use AI for workout ideas, think of it as a supplement rather than a replacement for professional guidance. After all, personal trainers earn their credentials for a reason.
According to Johnson, a solid workout program doesn't need to be complicated or packed with advanced movements. It starts with the basics. "The foundation of any safe and effective training plan is mastering the fundamentals: push, pull, hinge, squat, and carry," he explains.
If you want a closer look at each of these exercises and how to perform them effectively, check out our guide to the five compound exercises you should do to build full-body functional strength and muscle.
A good plan also balances challenge and recovery. Progressive overload -- gradually increasing intensity, volume, or resistance -- is essential for progress, but recovery is what allows your muscles and joints to adapt. Johnson says rest days are not a sign of taking it easy but a key part of getting stronger and avoiding burnout.
Just as important is making sure your plan reflects your goals and current ability. The best programs are goal-based and adaptable, not something you have to force yourself to fit into. "A safe workout plan evolves with you," says Johnson. That might mean swapping exercises that don't feel right, reducing load when you are tired, or scaling back volume when life gets busy.
Not everyone can afford a personal trainer or a paid online program, and free tools like ChatGPT can be a tempting way to get structure and ideas for your workouts. Johnson emphasizes that AI can be a useful source of inspiration, but it is no substitute for professional guidance. "AI can definitely offer inspiration, but it cannot replace the discernment, adaptability, and insight of a trained coach," he says.
To make the most of AI-generated workouts while keeping them safe, Johnson suggests following these tips:
AI can spark ideas, but expert guidance keeps you safe and progressing. Whether it is asking a PT in the gym to check your form, watching reputable tutorials online, or reaching out to Tom's Guide with topics you want covered, make sure you are learning and moving with care.
