Tech Future Pulls the Plug on AI Personal Training, Commits to Human Coaches Courtney Rehfeldt June 19, 2026 Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share via Email credit: Future Subscribe Now Log in Future is among the first in the fitness app space to pull back from AI at a time when most are racing toward it. Whether that marks the start of a broader AI resistance or a one-off remains to be seen Future is going all in on human coaching and killing off its AI plans. Instead, the app is adding a new layer to its coaching through Future Pro, with human coaches building DEXA-informed health protocols for clients, plus lab testing and nutrition guidance for higher-tier members. It’s the latest in a string of evolutions for the virtual personal training app, which merged with Tom Brady’s fan and athlete engagement company Autograph last year. In February, Future split its product into two versions: Future Pro, which relies on a real-life personal trainer, and a free beta built around AI. That version has been scrapped, Future recently confirmed in a note to waitlisted members. “After spending time with the product and hearing feedback from members, we’ve decided not to move forward with launching that product and instead, double down on what we do best: helping people make real progress with the support of world-class coaches,” Future said. Future is offering the membership in two beta tiers. Core runs $129 a month, or about $4 a day, and includes a personal fitness, nutrition and sleep plan, weekly check-ins, a monthly one-on-one call, a DEXA scan and a weekly food log review. Premium runs $399 a month, or about $13 a day, and adds daily check-ins with same-day replies, weekly one-on-one calls, two DEXA scans, daily nutrition reviews, a registered dietitian consult, a personal supplement plan and more than 50 lab tests. Future has already begun promoting the new offering. One of its trainers, Michael Vazquez, recently took his Instagram followers along to a DEXA scan appointment. Prospective coaching clients begin with a short questionnaire covering their age range, main goal, coach preferences, focus areas and time commitment. Before officially signing up, they can also book a 15-minute Future concierge call. credit: Future/Instagram More is on the horizon, as well. Future said new features will roll out in the coming weeks, and it will share updates on a new service launching later this year that combines personalized guidance across movement, nutrition, sleep, recovery and preventive health. It’s a quick pivot, but one that appears aligned with where consumers stand on AI in terms of fitness. Only 10% of consumers globally prefer AI workout guidance over a human coach, according to Les Mills’ 2026 Global Fitness Report, which surveyed more than 10,000 people. Even Gen Z and Millennials, the most tech-native adult cohorts, rank among the most resistant, with only 11% of 16- to 27-year-olds favoring AI-generated coaching. It’s hard to miss the timing. This graduation season, members of the Class of 2026 booed commencement speakers who praised AI, while a broader wariness toward screens appears to be emerging. In particular, phone-free events grew 567% globally between 2024 and 2025, with attendance climbing 121%, according to Eventbrite. Operators are already responding — in the U.K., at least. PureGym recently hosted a screen-free Joy Stroll while Fitness First has added optional tap-to-mute tech across all 26 of its clubs. Future is among the first in the fitness app space to pull back from AI at a time when most are racing toward it. Whether... Membership Required You’ve reached your 3-article monthly limit. Subscribe to ATN Pro for unlimited access to industry-leading coverage, insights, and analysis shaping the future of fitness and wellness. ATN Pro members get: Unlimited access to Athletech News articles Exclusive access to ATN Pro-level reporting Discounts to ATN the Innovation Summit VIP access to community events Exclusive email newsletters Subscribe Now Already a member? Log in Already a member? Log in here Tags: DEXA Fitness apps Future personal training