{"id":407962,"date":"2026-04-20T08:48:13","date_gmt":"2026-04-20T08:48:13","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ie\/407962\/"},"modified":"2026-04-20T08:48:13","modified_gmt":"2026-04-20T08:48:13","slug":"runners-using-ai-chatbots-as-personal-trainers-are-warned-they-are-putting-themselves-at-risk-by-using-dangerous-training-plans","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ie\/407962\/","title":{"rendered":"Runners using AI chatbots as personal trainers are warned they are putting themselves at risk by using ‘dangerous’ training plans"},"content":{"rendered":"

By SOPHIA STANFORD, NEWS REPORTER<\/a> <\/p>\n

Published: 16:39 EDT, 19 April 2026 | Updated: 18:37 EDT, 19 April 2026 <\/p>\n

Runners have been warned that they are putting themselves at risk if they use ‘dangerous’ training plans created by AI<\/a> chatbots.<\/p>\n

Fitness experts have criticised fitness apps like Runna that use ChatGPT<\/a>\u00a0or other AI models as they could be giving inaccurate information that could harm them.<\/p>\n

One personal trainer, Chris Beavers, told a national newspaper that these AI-generated plans will be based on what the LLM thinks is the optimal routine, without providing accurate tailoring to the individual runner.\u00a0<\/p>\n

As an example, the AI might suggest a high-intensity routine that may not suit a runner who would need periods of rest.<\/p>\n

Following these routines could then cause a runner to injure themselves while exercising and impede their running goal.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Mr Beavers added that relying solely on AI removes a runner from any human connection that can provide additional support in a way that technology can’t, as well as providing a stronger sense of accountability.<\/p>\n

Personal trainer\u00a0Nick Berners-Price similarly echoed these concerns, adding that amateur runners were particularly at risk as their bio-mechanics will not be correctly addressed without analysis from a sports lab.<\/p>\n

\"Runners <\/p>\n

Runners have been warned that they are putting themselves at risk if they use ‘dangerous’ training plans given by AI chatbots<\/p>\n

He was reported saying: ‘Unless you\u2019re revisiting the AI, constantly feeding it new parameters, then I don\u2019t really see how it improves on a one-size-fits-all programme.’\u00a0<\/p>\n

Nutritionist\u00a0Ella Rauen-Prestes Butler said that ChatGPT can also provide incorrect diets and meal plans for runners that could negatively affect their performance.<\/p>\n

One frequent issue was runners being told to ‘carb up’ too much – which can then affect their blood sugar.\u00a0<\/p>\n

‘AI can be very dangerous \u2026 people used to refer to Dr Google but now it\u2019s Dr ChatGPT,’ she reportedly said.\u00a0<\/p>\n

AI-generated fitness advice has additionally been criticised by amateur runners on social media, who have blasted the advice as\u00a0‘cookie-cutter training plans’.<\/p>\n

However, some countered the narrative that these models are ‘dangerous’ but are instead just ‘incomplete’.<\/p>\n

Runna has previously said: ‘[Our] plans are designed by experienced coaches using proven training principles.\u00a0<\/p>\n

‘An algorithm then tailors and adapts those coach-designed plans to each runner based on progress, feedback and real-world performance.<\/p>\n

‘Running, especially long-distance running, is a high-impact sport and injury risk can never be eliminated entirely.\u00a0<\/p>\n

‘Injury risk is influenced by numerous factors including sleep, nutrition, stress, prior injuries and training outside a plan.’<\/p>\n

ChatGPT has been contacted for comment.\u00a0<\/p>\n

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