“Feel” Is a Terrible Coach – How I Use AI to Train, Recover, and Perform Like a Pro

Most people treat their body like a mystery. I treat mine like a system. Artificial intelligence is the coaching assistantthat keeps the whole thing running—alongside the human coaches that still matter most. This blog is for coaches wondering how to deal with the looming threat of replacement via AI. Spoiler: we need experienced human coaches now more than ever

Why This Matters

Most people train based on pure intuition.

They push when they “feel good.” They rest when they crash. They eat by guesswork and hope it works.

I used to do the same—until I realized “feel” was getting in the way of real progress.

So I started treating my body like a system. Every training session, meal, recovery window, and physical cue became trackable.

The result?
More gains. Fewer injuries. Sharper focus. And a repeatable, reliable path to long-term performance.

This post lays out exactly how I use AI and data to train with purpose—and how human coaching still plays a critical role.

AI Isn’t Replacing Coaches—It’s Extending Them

This isn’t some “AI will replace humans” argument. In fact, it’s the opposite.

The best coaches aren’t going anywhere. If anything, they’re becoming more important—because the future belongs to those who can blend experience with insight at scale.

Great coaching is about more than sets and reps. It’s about knowing the person, adapting plans with empathy, and catching what the data doesn’t show.

The winning combo?
A coach who understands you + AI that keeps you honest.

Here’s how I built that system into my daily life.

Recovery & Readiness

Tools: WHOOP Strap, Fitbit Smartwatch

Recovery is where the magic happens. If you’re not measuring it, you’re missing it.

• WHOOP (Wrist-worn Health Optimization Output Platform): Tracks cardiovascular strain, nervous system status, and sleep quality. Tells me when to push and when to pause.
• HRV (Heart Rate Variability): High = primed for growth. Low = time to scale back. WHOOP gives me a daily score.
• RHR (Resting Heart Rate): Unexpected spikes usually mean under-recovery, illness, or dehydration.
• Sleep Stages: WHOOP monitors REM and deep sleep—if I’m missing either, I adjust training intensity.

I check this every morning. My coach uses the same data to modify volume, movement selection, or timing. It’s a shared source of truth.

Smarter Training with Juggernaut AI

Tools: Juggernaut AI App, WHOOP, Renpho Smart Scale

Effort without precision is just burnout. Juggernaut AI gives me structure and feedback in real time.

• Juggernaut AI (Adaptive Strength Programming): This app builds and adjusts my workouts across squat, bench, deadlift, overhead press, and accessories. It tailors every set based on performance.
• Autoregulated Programming: I log every set and rep. Based on my reported effort, Juggernaut adjusts the next session.
• Volume Intelligence: Uses concepts like MEV (Minimum Effective Volume) and MRV (Maximum Recoverable Volume) to keep me progressing without tipping into fatigue.
• Weak Point Fixes: If I’m slow off the floor in a deadlift, it adapts accessory lifts. If my squat wobbles, it adjusts movement patterns.

My coach uses this structure as a base and helps tweak movement cues, mindset, and training intent. It’s not man vs. machine—it’s man plus machine.

Nutrition That Adjusts With You

Tools: Carbon Diet Coach, WHOOP, Renpho Smart Scale

Training is stimulus. Nutrition is support. AI handles the math—I handle the discipline.

• Carbon Diet Coach (AI Macro Tracking): Created by Layne Norton. Calculates daily protein, carbs, and fat based on my goals (cut, gain, maintain). Adjusts weekly.
• Sodium & Hydration: WHOOP helps identify when low HRV might be due to hydration. I’ve learned to actively track salt and fluids—especially during heavy prep.
• Body Composition: I use the Renpho scale weekly to track lean mass, fat %, and water weight. If fat creeps up, Carbon adjusts my intake. If weight stalls, it adds calories.

Trying to bulk and cut at the same time is inefficient. I run 6–12 week phases focused on one goal. AI helps me stay on track without second-guessing.

Real Results, Backed by Feedback

Mental Fog During Prep?
I felt off. Instead of blaming stress, I checked hydration, sodium, and sleep across WHOOP and Carbon. Sodium was too low. I fixed it. Focus returned.

Overtraining Avoided:
WHOOP said recovery was low. Juggernaut cut the intensity. My coach shifted to tempo work instead of heavy pulls. I stayed productive without digging a hole.

My Current AI Stack

Final Thought

"Feel" is fine to get started. But if you want to sustain progress, build consistency, and adapt with precision—you need feedback.

And feedback at scale? That’s where AI shines.

But human coaching still wins the long game. The ability to understand people, adjust with nuance, and use data without losing empathy—that’s the skill of the future.

This system works because it blends both.

One Last Question

What’s one thing you know you should be tracking—but haven’t started yet?

DM me or drop it in the comments. I’ll help you build your version of the system.