I Tested ChatGPT, Gemini and Mistral for a Fitness Program: Unexpected Results
Which AI generates the best fitness programs?
I tested ChatGPT, Gemini and Mistral with the same basic prompt. All three provide correct but generic programs (3×12 sets everywhere, no progression, no tempos). Smart Rabbit transforms a simple form into a 3000-line expert meta-prompt generating a program with precise tempos, 6-week progression and advanced techniques. The difference: the architecture that builds the prompt for you.
Have you ever wondered which AI generates the best fitness programs? I decided to find out by sending exactly the same prompt to three of the most advanced AI models on the market: ChatGPT (OpenAI), Gemini (Google) and Mistral (French). The result is instructive, sometimes surprising, and revealing of the current limitations of generative AI in fitness coaching.
The test: a simple prompt, three different AIs
Here is the message I sent to all three AIs, just as an average user might write it:
Prompt sent to the 3 AIs
"Hi, I need a fitness program. I am 35 years old, male, beginner level. I go to the gym 4 times a week, I can do 30 minutes each time. I also box 2 times a week. I would like to get more defined (muscle definition). My left shoulder is a bit fragile so be careful. Oh and I love working legs!"
No sophisticated request. No mention of advanced techniques. Just a basic profile like thousands of users formulate every day.
ChatGPT: solid structure, but generic
What works
ChatGPT provided a well-organized response with 4 sessions respected, an emphasis on legs with 2 dedicated sessions as requested, and shoulder protection avoiding military press and dips. The time structure is clear: 5 min warm-up + 20 min workout + 5 min core.
Observed limitations
⚠️ ChatGPT gaps
- Generic sets/reps: Mainly 3×12 and 4×10 everywhere
- No progression: No 6-week plan
- No tempos: No indication of execution speed
- Missing techniques: No drop sets, rest-pause, or pyramids
- Approximate timing: "30 minutes" without precise calculation
ChatGPT offers a functional and safe program for a beginner. It is a good starting point, but lacks the depth you would expect from an experienced coach.
Gemini: relevant precautions, conversational format
What works
Gemini (in thinking mode) adopted a conversational approach with an intelligent Half-Body structure (2 lower body days, 2 upper body days). Shoulder precautions are detailed in a dedicated section with clear rules. The pedagogical tone explains the why behind choices.
Face pulls are recommended as an exercise for shoulder health. The definition advice (70% nutrition, 30% training) is relevant.
Observed limitations
⚠️ Gemini gaps
- No structured progression: No multi-week plan
- Standard reps: 3×10-12, 3×15 without nuance
- Missing tempos: No indication of execution rhythm
- Missing advanced techniques: No intensification methods
- Vague timing: "30 minutes" overall without detail
Gemini excels in pedagogical approach and safety precautions. However, like ChatGPT, it remains at a surface level without scientific progression.
Mistral: balanced but classic
What works
Mistral proposed a balanced approach with 4 clear sessions and precise objectives. The Full body session at the end of the week promotes active recovery. Shoulder protection avoids risky movements. Core is integrated in 3 of the 4 sessions with a cardio suggestion (jump rope) in session 3.
Observed limitations
⚠️ Mistral gaps
- Conventional sets/reps: 3×12, 4×10 repetitively
- No progression: Static program without evolution
- No tempos: No precision on cadence
- Missing techniques: No advanced intensification
- Approximate timing: No detailed calculation
Mistral offers a solid and safe program, but remains in conventional standards without bringing methodological innovation.
Smart Rabbit: when the user no longer needs to know how to prompt
Now, here is the fundamental difference.
With ChatGPT, Gemini and Mistral, I had to write a detailed prompt. A user who would just write "fitness program" would get an even more basic result.
With Smart Rabbit, I did not write a prompt. I simply filled out a web form with checkboxes: age 31-40 years, male gender, beginner level, very active condition, 4 sessions per week, 30 minutes per session, gym equipment, muscle definition goal, complementary activity boxing 2 times per week, left shoulder limitation, preference lots of leg work.
Smart Rabbit automatically transformed this basic profile into a 3000-line meta-prompt including all the fitness expert logic, then sent it to Claude 4.5.
Automatically generated program
4 sessions of exactly 30 minutes:
Day 1: Legs & Core
- Goblet Squat: 4×12-15, tempo 3-0-1-1, rest 90s (6min)
- Bulgarian split squats: 3×10-12 per leg, tempo 2-0-2-0, rest 75s (7min)
- Romanian deadlift: 3×12-15, tempo 3-1-1-0, rest 90s (6min)
- Calf extensions: 3×15-20, rest 45s (4min)
- Plank: 3×30-45s (4min)
- Russian Twists: 2×20-25 (3min)
Day 2: Push (Shoulder protection)
- Incline push-ups: 4×8-12, tempo 2-0-1-1 (6min)
- Dumbbell press: 3×10-12 (6min)
- Light incline fly: 3×12-15 (5min)
- Triceps extension: 3×12-15 (5min)
- Assisted dips: 2×8-12 (4min)
- Side plank: 2×20-30s per side (4min)
Day 3: Legs & Explosiveness
- Sumo squat: 4×10-12 (6min)
- Walking lunges: 3×12 per leg (6min)
- Explosive step-ups: 3×8-10 per leg, tempo 1-0-X-0 (6min)
- Leg curls: 3×12-15 (5min)
- Box jumps: 3×6-8 (4min)
- Mountain climbers: 2×20-25 (3min)
Day 4: Pull & Back (Shoulder compensation)
- Rowing machine: 4×10-12, tempo 1-1-2-0 (6min)
- Vertical pull: 3×10-12 (6min)
- One-arm dumbbell row: 3×12-15 per arm (6min) — right side only
- Light face pulls: 3×15-20 (4min) — shoulder rehab
- Bicep curls: 2×12-15 (4min)
- Deadbug: 2×10 per side (4min)
6-week progression integrated automatically
Automatic periodization
- Weeks 1-2: Technical adaptation, light loads, strict tempo
- Weeks 3-4: 5-10% weight increase with rest-pause on priority exercises
- Weeks 5-6: Drop sets on last set with 10-15s rest reduction
5 automatically generated justification axes
The system provided detailed explanations on:
- Muscle group distribution: Why 2 leg sessions, push/pull alternation
- Exercise selection: Functional movements, shoulder protection with compensatory unilateral rowing
- Progressive intensification: Rest-pause weeks 3-4, drop sets weeks 5-6
- Neuromuscular justifications: Motor unit recruitment, mixed fibers 8-15 reps
- Psychological justifications: Motivation, variety, boxing synergy
Automatically generated interactive interface
The program was generated in a React interface with 3 tabs (Program, Justifications, Progression), navigation between the 4 days, technical details per exercise, and tempo guide.
What makes the difference: the architecture that builds the prompt for you
The fundamental difference between Smart Rabbit and generic AIs does not lie in the language model. Smart Rabbit uses Claude 4.5, which everyone can query.
The difference lies in the fact that the user no longer needs to know how to prompt.
How it works
With ChatGPT, Gemini, Mistral
- User writes a prompt (variable quality depending on expertise)
- AI generates a response based on this prompt
- Result is limited by the quality of the initial prompt
With Smart Rabbit
- User fills out a simple form (checkboxes)
- Expert system automatically transforms this profile into a 3000-line meta-prompt
- Meta-prompt is sent to Claude 4.5
- Result is optimized by the expert architecture
The 3000 lines of invisible fitness logic
When you fill out the Smart Rabbit form, the system automatically builds:
- Prioritization system: 3 exercise levels with automatic timing calculation to respect requested duration
- Precise tempo management: 5 different types (3-0-1-1, 2-0-2-0, 1-0-X-0, isometric, explosive) with slow eccentric phase for definition
- Intensification techniques: Rest-pause, drop sets, pyramids, supersets according to profile
- Intelligent adaptations: Shoulder protection with compensatory unilateral rowing, reduced volume for boxing, explosive exercises for power
- 12+ personalization parameters: Age, level, frequency, equipment, limitations, preferences
Why AI alone is not enough yet
The three tested AIs are excellent for understanding natural language, providing consistent responses, avoiding dangerous movements, and giving general advice.
But they entirely depend on the quality of the user prompt. If you do not know how to ask for precise tempos, a 6-week progression, intensification techniques, timing calculation per exercise, or injury compensations, you will not get them.
Smart Rabbit eliminates this barrier. You do not need to know these concepts. The system builds the expert meta-prompt for you.
🐰 Test the Difference Yourself
Simple form → automatic expert meta-prompt → optimized program. You get the results of a prompt engineering expert without having to become one.
Create My Free ProgramVisual comparison of results
Here is what each approach produces:
ChatGPT
- ✅ 4 sessions respected
- ✅ 2 leg sessions
- ❌ No 6-week progression
- ❌ No tempos
- ❌ Generic sets (3×12)
- ❌ Approximate timing
Gemini
- ✅ 4 sessions respected
- ✅ 2 leg sessions
- ✅ Detailed shoulder precautions
- ❌ No 6-week progression
- ❌ No tempos
- ❌ Vague timing
Mistral
- ✅ 4 sessions respected
- ✅ 2 leg sessions
- ✅ Integrated core
- ❌ No 6-week progression
- ❌ No tempos
- ❌ Missing techniques
Smart Rabbit
- ✅ 4 sessions respected
- ✅ 2 leg sessions
- ✅ Detailed 6-week progression
- ✅ Precise tempos (5 types)
- ✅ Advanced techniques (rest-pause, drop sets)
- ✅ Calculated timing per exercise
- ✅ Compensatory shoulder adaptation
- ✅ 5 scientific justifications
- ✅ Interactive React interface
Conclusion: the future is not "which AI" but "who builds the prompt"
ChatGPT, Gemini and Mistral all provide correct and safe programs. A beginner can train with these programs without risk.
However, the quality of the result entirely depends on your ability to write a good prompt.
Smart Rabbit revolution is not using "a better AI". It is eliminating the need to know how to prompt.
You fill out a simple form. The expert architecture transforms your profile into a 3000-line meta-prompt. Claude 4.5 generates an optimized program.
You get the results of a prompt engineering expert without having to become one.
This is precisely the architecture you can test for free on Smart Rabbit Fitness — a simple form that hides 3000 lines of fitness logic designed by Jacques Chauvin, certified coach and 4th at the WNBF World Championship. 100% free with Claude free plan. For users who want automatic generation without copy-paste, Lazy Rabbit is available at €9.90.
Test conducted on December 19, 2024. Identical prompt sent to ChatGPT (free), Gemini (thinking mode free), and Mistral (free). Smart Rabbit program generated for free via web form with Claude Sonnet 4.5. Paid version Lazy Rabbit (€9.90) available for automatic generation without copy-paste.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the best AI for creating a fitness program?
According to our test, ChatGPT, Gemini and Mistral all provide correct and safe programs. However, no AI alone generates structured 6-week progression or advanced intensification techniques. The real difference comes from the expert architecture surrounding the AI, like the Smart Rabbit system which integrates 3000 lines of fitness logic around Claude 4.5.
Can ChatGPT replace a personal trainer?
ChatGPT can create a functional basic program, but lacks several essential elements of real coaching: scientific progression over several weeks, precise timing calculation per exercise, intensification techniques (drop sets, rest-pause), and compensatory adaptations for injuries. An expert system fills these gaps.
Why is Smart Rabbit different from other fitness AIs?
Smart Rabbit uses the same model (Claude 4.5) that users can query directly, but surrounds it with an expert architecture of 3000 lines that calculates precise tempos (3-0-1-1, 2-0-2-0), structures 6-week progression, applies 15+ intensification techniques, and personalizes according to 12+ parameters. It is the difference between a conversational AI and an expert system.
Is Gemini better than ChatGPT for fitness?
In our test, Gemini (thinking mode) provided more detailed shoulder precautions and an interesting pedagogical approach. ChatGPT proposed a clearer time structure. Both remain at a similar level: correct programs but without scientific progression or advanced techniques.
Can a free AI program be effective?
Yes, programs generated by ChatGPT, Gemini or Mistral are functional for a beginner. You can progress with these programs. However, they lack optimization: no structured progression, missing tempos, missing intensification techniques. An expert system like Smart Rabbit transforms the same prompt into a scientifically optimized program.
Which AI to choose between ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini and Mistral?
For simple conversational use, all four are excellent. For a basic fitness program, they give similar results (our test demonstrates this). The real question is not "which AI" but "which software architecture surrounds the AI". Smart Rabbit uses Claude 4.5 but adds 3000 lines of fitness logic that radically transform the result.
👨💼 About the author
Jacques Chauvin - Certified coach, 4th WNBF World Championship, creator of Smart Rabbit