The Outdoor Muscle Show: On the Move (Episode 5) – AI Fitness Coaches

I saw a headline this morning that Apple is releasing a new AI fitness coach called “Workout Buddy.” You’ll be able to download it to your Apple device, and it may even come pre-installed on future Apple Watches. There wasn’t much detail yet, but it got me thinking—should people be using AI coaches at all?

This topic hits close to home for me. While I have a full-time job, my side business is strength and conditioning coaching for endurance athletes. If AI coaching takes over, it could put coaches like me out of business. So, I wanted to share my honest thoughts.

AI-Driven Data vs AI Coaching

There’s a difference between apps that use data from your workouts to provide you assessments on your progress. I think the use of AI to acquire biomarkers during workouts is an interesting way for human coaches and AI to work together. That data can inform a coach’s strategy in how they program for their athlete.

On the flip side, there is AI coaching, which uses AI to generate programming for the athlete without any input from an actual human. In those cases, I have to wonder what goes into the AI-drive programming. What makes it provide the “coaching” that it does?

What’s Behind the Programming?

My first question is: what are they using to create these AI coaching programs? If it’s a running coach model, are they using Dr. Jack Daniels’ research? Dr. Stephen Seiler’s work on polarized training? Louie Simmons’ conjugate method for strength? The entire Essentials of Strength & Conditioning textbook?

And if they are, do they have permission to use that material? This is one of the ethical questions surrounding AI—whether it’s repurposing work without proper attribution.

The Problem with AI Coaching

The Apple AI Fitness Coach reportedly uses “positive reinforcement” as its main style. While I believe in positive reinforcement, effective coaching often blends multiple approaches. If AI coaches are nothing more than “yes-men” or “cheer leaders” that validate everything you do, is it really coaching—or just self-confirmation?

Coaching is more than encouragement; it’s about challenging the athlete, adapting their plan, and sometimes telling them what they don’t want to hear.

The Human Connection Factor

One of the biggest questions to ask before using AI coaching is: Do I actually want to be coached?

A real coach offers human connection, accountability, and a personal investment in your success. AI coaching, at least for now, seems like the “fast food” version—quick, convenient, and surface-level. But when it comes to health, that depth matters.

We’ve already seen AI produce fast-food versions of writing, photography, and video. Do we want the same for fitness?

Where AI Coaching Could Help

While I’ve laid out the downsides, there are scenarios where AI coaching could be beneficial:

• Cost-Effectiveness: Real coaching can be expensive. AI coaches could provide a lower-cost entry point for people starting out.
• Beginner Guidance: For someone who just wants a simple plan to get moving, AI might be enough to get started.
• Accessibility: Younger athletes or those without resources could use AI coaching to get basic training frameworks.

For people without competitive goals—like running a marathon or racing a Spartan—AI may be a practical way to start building fitness.

Why Athletes Still Need Human Coaches

For serious athletes, I can’t see AI replacing real coaches anytime soon. A human can observe, adapt, and mentor in ways AI still can’t. Even if AI gets smarter, the mentorship and accountability of a coach are hard to replicate.

That said, the temptation for teams or individuals to rely on AI will grow. It could supplement a coach’s work, but over reliance risks replacing human judgment and intuition.

AI Fitness Coaches Conclusion

AI fitness coaching is coming, and it’s not something we can stop. It will be up to individuals to decide whether they value human connection, expertise, and personalized mentorship—or whether they’re satisfied with AI training plans.

If you want a real coach—someone who has spent years studying strength and conditioning, who stays up-to-date on research, and who genuinely wants the best for your goals—my coaching memberships are open. You can also check out my pre-written plans on TrainingPeaks.

I love helping people grow in endurance sports. It’s about more than fitness—it’s the discipline, confidence, and resilience that come with it. If you’ve tried AI coaching, I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments of the YouTube video. Was it better than expected? Should I be worried?

Thanks for reading, and I’ll see you in the next one.

-Coach Buck

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