According to fresh data from OpenAI, Australians are finding a new way to smash their fitness goals that doesn’t necessarily involve a $100-a-week boutique studio membership. Instead, a staggering one in three Aussies (32%) are now training with AI like ChatGPT.
As the cost of living continues to bite, the traditional gym membership which is averaging upwards of $77 per month and becoming a luxury many are reconsidering. For 17% of Australians, affordability is the primary driver for inviting Artificial Intelligence into their workout split. However, as the trend grows, a debate is emerging: can an algorithm truly replace the human touch?
The Rise of the “Pocket PT”
The trend isn’t just a fleeting New Year’s resolution. While 71% of us set health goals in January only to see them wither by February, nearly half of the population (47%) intends to use ChatGPT for wellness by the end of 2026.
The appeal lies in the sheer logistics. Whether it is generating a marathon training plan or figuring out what to do with a solitary kettlebell and a bag of spinach, the versatility of a “super assistant” is hard to ignore.
Who is Leading the Charge?
The data reveals some interesting demographic splits in how we are sweating:
- The Gender Gap: Men are slightly more inclined to use AI for fitness (35%) compared to women (29%).
- The Youth Quake: Unsurprisingly, Gen Z (57%) and Millennials (52%) are the heaviest users, primarily seeking the high level of personalisation AI offers.
- The Silver Surfers: Even the 65+ demographic is getting involved, with 8% already using the tool.
- State of Play: The Northern Territory is currently the nation’s AI fitness capital (39%), followed closely by Victoria (37%).
The Irreplaceable Human Edge
Despite the rapid adoption, there is a clear ceiling to what a screen can provide. While ChatGPT can perfectly calculate a target heart rate or suggest a 15-minute HIIT circuit, it lacks the “eyes-on” capability of a human professional.
A human personal trainer offers real-time form correction which is crucial for preventing injury during a heavy deadlift and also an empathetic intuition that an algorithm simply cannot replicate. A trainer can look at a client’s body language and realise they’ve had a stressful day, adjusting the intensity on the fly. They provide the “high-five” after a gruelling personal best and the psychological accountability that comes from knowing someone is physically waiting for you at the gym.
The New “Hybrid” Reality
To celebrate this shift, OpenAI recently hosted Australia’s first-ever AI-designed group workout in Brisbane. Every detail, from the intervals to the post-workout smoothie recipes were curated by ChatGPT.
Fitness creator Caity Viant, who collaborated on the event, notes that the tool acts as a perfect complement to, rather than a total replacement for, professional expertise. “It helps me map my macros, refine sessions, and stay on track,” Viant shared.
@caityviant This trend is SO fun hehe 🥹💓🌟 #trend #allowmetoreintroducemyself ♬ original sound – Ulazzo🍒
As we move through 2026, the future of Australian fitness looks increasingly “hybrid.” We are using AI to handle the tedious planning and the budget-friendly logistics, while still relying on human coaches for the nuanced motivation, safety, and physical connection that keeps us coming back.
