This morning I woke up at 4 a.m. — jet lagged after flying back from England yesterday. I had the energy of a small child on Christmas morning and decided to make the most of it. After walking the dog (a quick “poop loop” around the block) and knocking out a few chores, I headed down to the gym to get a head start on the day.
To my surprise, two women were already there — mid-workout at 5 a.m. Great! But I’d secretly hoped to have the gym to myself (it’s a small but awesome apartment gym).
As I started my warm-up at the cables, I couldn’t help but notice them. Not because I was intentionally watching, but in a room full of mirrors it’s hard not to. They were clearly following a plan on their phones — likely an app or AI-generated program — and doing so with great enthusiasm.
But something was missing.
Their effort was steady, consistent… but lacked that fire. That deep push you feel when you’re working beyond your comfort zone — the kind that transforms your body and mind. And in that moment, it hit me: AI will never be able to replicate the attention, drive, and accountability that a great strength trainer provides.
Here I was, up before the birds, itching to give out free tips just to help them get more out of their session — but of course, I didn’t interrupt with, “Hey… 5 more reps!”
Everyone has their own reasons for training — stress relief, mental clarity, meditation, health, or just to move more — and all of those are valid. But if your goal is real physical change, you have to be pushed. You have to test what you’re capable of. And most people, even with the best AI programs, simply don’t push as hard as they could when left to train alone.
AI can build a smart plan. It can track your metrics and tell you when to increase your weights. What it can’t do is read your body language, your fatigue, your hesitation — or your potential. It can’t see that you’ve got two reps left in the tank when you think you’re done.
That’s where a good trainer comes in. Not to shout or punish, but to help you discover a level of effort you didn’t know you had.
So no, this isn’t a rant against AI or against people grinding away at 5 a.m. workouts — any movement is better than none. But if you’re not seeing results, or you’re unsure what “pushing yourself” really means, hire a trainer, even just for a few sessions.
Find out what true effort feels like. Reset your standards. Then take that new awareness back into your own training.
Because those early mornings — the ones that pull you away from your bed, your partner, or your dog — should count. Don’t waste them on half-effort workouts that an AI app can’t tell are half-hearted.
AI can help you plan a workout.
A good trainer helps you transform from it.
Get started today with a personal trainer in Vancouver HERE with my new 3 session package
My latest reading; the effects of curcumin on the body – read it here