As artificial intelligence increasingly infiltrates our daily routines, from streamlining work tasks to curating weekly meal plans, Rebecca Crowe examines whether AI can truly revolutionise the way we exercise.
One of the biggest wellness trends set to dominate 2025 is the rise of AI-generated fitness plans. Building on the popularity of ChatGPT-powered workout suggestions, a new wave of apps promises greater personalisation, enhanced functionality, and additional features such as instructional videos and automated reminders.
Chloe Thomas, a personal trainer and founder of the online holistic coaching platform Chloe Inspires Coaching, highlights one clear advantage: “The biggest pro of AI workout apps is their affordability. It’s obviously a lot cheaper to use AI for a workout programme than to hire a personal coach.”
As someone who has always been relatively active but has struggled to maintain a consistent routine in recent years, I was keen to put AI fitness planning to the test.
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My experience
With a glut of apps now available, I opted for Planfit, drawn in by its free trial and flexible subscription options.
The onboarding process was smooth: the app asked about my fitness background, available equipment, goals, and any injuries. I noted my shoulder and ankle issues and waited in anticipation for my tailored workout plan.
So, when a 72-minute routine materialised — complete with free weights, cardio, and bodyweight exercises — I was taken aback. The movements were relatively straightforward, complemented by helpful animations and the ability to tweak reps and sets. Yet, the plan raised some red flags.
Rebecca Covey, founder and director of Kinetic Pilates, examined my programme with a critical eye. “This plan could work for someone simply looking to introduce more movement into their life. Any plan that gets people exercising is, in some way, a success. But I have serious concerns about the choice of exercises.”
She pointed to specific movements — lateral raises, for example — that were ill-advised for someone with a shoulder injury. “They may strengthen the muscle, but they will also aggravate the injury. The oblique crunches are another issue, as they put undue pressure on the shoulder.”
While the app delivered a structured and accessible routine, it didn’t feel particularly bespoke. It was eerily similar to countless generic workouts I’ve stumbled across on YouTube or Instagram — despite personalisation being the core selling point of AI-driven fitness plans.
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Do AI fitness plans deliver results?
On a fundamental level, if I followed the prescribed plan consistently, I would undoubtedly become stronger and fitter — an obvious outcome of regular exercise. But fitness plans extend beyond a mere list of exercises. Without meaningful support, realistic goal-setting, and structured progression, sustaining long-term improvements becomes a challenge.
Chloe Thomas notes a crucial limitation: “AI lacks real accountability. As a coach, I check in with my clients weekly, providing feedback and motivation. AI can’t replicate that emotional connection or offer encouragement beyond automated notifications.”
Many AI fitness apps deploy behavioural nudges such as daily reminders and push notifications, but these can only take motivation so far. While AI-driven plans might provide a short-term boost or help break a fitness rut, the notion of them replacing personalised coaching anytime soon seems, at best, far-fetched.
