In the age of AI, buying a generic training program from someone who won’t actually coach you is like paying a premium for water when there’s a free tap right next to you.
Think about it: artificial intelligence such as ChatGPT can generate a training plan in seconds. You input your goals, experience level, and available equipment, and boom—out comes a structured plan with sets, reps, and even progression over time. The internet is flooded with templates, spreadsheets, and programs that cost little to nothing.
So, why on earth would you buy a program from a person who isn’t coaching you?
The illusion of a “personalized” program
Many fitness influencers, online coaches, and even reputable trainers sell training programs. Some are decent, some are trash, but most of them have one thing in common: they’re mass-produced. They might claim to be “customized,” but unless you’re working directly with the coach who wrote it—someone who watches you move, understands your limitations, and adapts the plan as needed—it’s just another template.
The reality? A program without coaching is just words on a page.
AI training programs vs. a real coach: what’s the difference?
1. AI follows logic. A coach follows you.
- AI can build a solid strength progression, but it doesn’t see when your squat looks off or when your energy levels are tanking. A coach adjusts based on how you feel, how you move, and how life is treating you that week.
2. AI gives answers. A coach asks the right questions.
- Why do you need this program? What’s stopping you from succeeding? Are you making progress, or are you just checking off workouts? A real coach digs deeper to keep you on track.
3. AI calculates. A coach communicates.
- You can follow an AI-generated program to the letter and still fail if you don’t understand why you’re doing certain things. A good coach makes sure you *get it*—which means you’re more likely to stick with it and succeed.
Every coach uses AI (even if they don’t admit it)
Let’s be real: every coach today uses AI or automation tools for programming—regardless of what they claim. Not because they’re lazy, but because AI simply does it better.
AI can analyze thousands of training progressions, adapt templates based on evidence-based research, and suggest structured progressions with zero human bias. No coach is sitting down with a blank sheet of paper to write a program from scratch in 2025. That’s like refusing to use a calculator for math.
The real value of a coach isn’t in writing workouts—it’s in coaching those workouts.
How to use AI to write a training program
If you’re looking for a free, AI-generated training plan, here’s how you can do it yourself. Just copy and paste the following prompt into ChatGPT:
“Create a [strength/hypertrophy/endurance/CrossFit] training program for a [beginner/intermediate/advanced] athlete who trains [number] days per week. The goal is to improve [specific goal, e.g., strength, muscle growth, endurance, fat loss]. The program should include warm-ups, main workouts, and accessory work. Exercises should be structured with sets, reps, and progression guidelines. Available equipment: [list what you have]. Avoid [any injuries or limitations].”
You can refine the output by asking AI to:
- Add movement substitutions based on injuries
- Adjust for a specific sport or performance goal
- Focus on weak points (e.g., “prioritize grip strength and core stability”)
Within seconds, AI will generate a program that’s as good as anything you’d buy online. But without real coaching, it’s still just a PDF.
Training programs aren’t services – coaching is
At the end of the day, a program is just a plan. What actually makes you better isn’t the plan itself—it’s the execution, the accountability, and the ability to make changes when life gets messy. That’s what real coaching is. If you want a coach, hire a coach. If you just need a list of exercises, save your money and ask AI.
