I joined Cuong Nguyen Private Fitness and began training in March 2024 – not just to lose weight, but to build healthier habits and make exercise a part of my daily routine. During one of our recent sessions, my personal trainer, Bằng, brought up something unexpected. He shared his concern that AI might replace personal trainers. He talked about apps and virtual trainers that can create workout plans, track progress, adjust routines, and even analyze movements through a camera to offer corrections. I quickly responded, “No way… AI can’t replace you. It can only make your job easier!” But, I wasn’t sure how to explain to him why in that moment.
That conversation stuck with me and made me reflect on how much I’ve grown over the past year of training with Bằng. Sure, AI can generate workout plans and track progress. But it can-not replace the personal connection, motivation, and real understanding that a human trainer brings. Those are the things technology just can-not replicate, no matter how advanced it gets.
Here are a few highlights that I believe remain irreplaceable, even as AI continues to evolve.
He alway knows the vibes
There were days when I was completely drained from work and had zero motivation to work out. But over time, Bằng learned how I operate. He knows when I need a few encouraging words, when a simple high-five will do the trick, and when I need that extra push to keep going.
He’s become more than just a fitness coach, he genuinely understands me. That’s something no app or AI can replicate. Sure, they can send reminders or motivational quotes, but they can’t tell when I’ve had a rough day or when I just need a bit of real, human support.
He keeps me safe and on track
He can tell when I’m running low on energy, being lazy or feeling extra strong, and he adjusts the workout on the spot to match how I’m doing that day. Even before I say a word, he picks up on the signs like a change in my breathing, my posture, even the look on my face. That kind of instinct helps him strike the right balance – keeping me safe, while still pushing me to improve.
AI just can’t pick up on those subtle, human details, it can’t feel my energy the way a real person can.
He builds trust, and keeps me accountable
He doesn’t just know my fitness goals, he knows what’s going on in my life too. He asks about my work, remembers my weekend plans, and checks in on things beyond the gym. He also opens up about his own life, his challenges and motivations. I think that kind of personal exchange builds real trust. It’s a big part of why I keep showing up, because I know he’s showing up for me too.
AI can track numbers and monitor progress for sure. But it can’t create that kind of connection or hold me accountable in a genuinely human way.
He brings the fun
We’ve definitely built our own little world of inside jokes and funny moments that make the workouts way more enjoyable. He’s even made me listen to his cheesy-playlist, and his off-key-singing. I sometimes forget what the original version of a song sounds like because his version lives easing in my head. But honestly, his humor makes everything feel lighter.
AI might try to send me a joke, but it just doesn’t have the timing like human does… unless I respond to its joke. And by then, it’s already missed the moment.
Looking back, I’m grateful for the time I’ve spent training with my PT. It’s been so much more than just lose weight. It’s been a journey of real growth and transformation.
When I first started, my lifestyle was far from healthy. I was:
Living on 1 meal a day.
Snacking on candy, soft drinks and chips.
Getting barely 5 hours of sleep.
Spending most of my time in front of screens.
Now, I’ve built a routine I’m proud of:
3 balanced meals a day, with more fruits, vegetables, and protein.
7 hours of solid sleep; waking up at 5am instead of 8.
2 times to walk outdoors, and hit the gym regularly.
All of this didn’t happen overnight tho… It took guidance, support, and accountability. And that’s what my PT gave me. He didn’t just guide me physically, he connected with me as a person.
My time spent training with Bằng has been so meaningful that it’s inspired me to create something of my own – an app designed to support personal trainers in enhancing the human side of their work. I don’t want to replace the connection, trust, and instinct they bring. I want to build tools that help them amplify those values. Stay tuned for updates!