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Need a Workout Program? Use Your Phone as A Personal Trainer

  • Writer: tburtness1
    tburtness1
  • Oct 3, 2024
  • 4 min read

Updated: Oct 23, 2024

When I first started going to the gym I had absolutely no clue what I was doing or how to accomplish my goals. I was still trying to figure out how to work it into my schedule, and I didn't have the time, money, or desire to hire a personal trainer. At the beginning, I was just using videos from YouTube and Instagram, but they were mostly designed for people with goals of building muscle, rather than weight loss which was my primary goal. Fortunately, we now live in an age where there it, in fact, an app for everything. If you're not sure where to start in setting up a workout routine, or just want to modify your existing routine to see the progress you want, an AI trainer may be a great option for you.

1. Assess Your Goals

The first step in any workout program is to clearly define what results you're looking for. AI can assist by asking a series of questions to determine what you want to achieve, such as:

  • Weight loss

  • Muscle gain

  • Improving endurance

  • Increasing flexibility

  • Enhancing overall health

Many AI-driven fitness apps, like Fitbod or Freeletics, include goal-setting features that help you clarify your objectives from the start.

2. Evaluate Your Current Fitness Level

To design an effective workout program, it’s crucial to assess your current fitness level. Don't worry about a pacer test though, the apps help with this part too. AI tools can guide you through fitness assessments that evaluate:

  • Strength

  • Endurance

  • Flexibility

  • Cardiovascular fitness

For instance, apps like MyFitnessPal or FitnessAI can help you track your current abilities and recommend appropriate starting points for various exercises. (This also keeps you from overdoing it and injuring yourself, which can put a pretty quick halt to your gym progress).

3. Personalize Your Program

Once your goals and fitness level are established, the apps can generate a personalized workout plan that considers:

  • Your preferences: Choose activities you enjoy, whether it’s weightlifting, yoga, or running.

  • Time availability: Indicate how much time you can dedicate to workouts each week.

  • Equipment access: Specify the equipment you have available (gym access, home equipment, or bodyweight exercises).

Apps like Jefit or WorkoutLabs utilize AI to create tailored programs based on your inputs, ensuring that your workouts align with your lifestyle and preferences.

4. Incorporate Adaptive Learning

One of the most significant advantages of using AI for workout planning is its ability to adapt over time. Many AI-driven platforms employ machine learning to analyze your progress, allowing them to adjust your workout program as needed. This means:

  • Increased intensity: As you become stronger and fitter, AI can recommend more challenging exercises.

  • Variety: To prevent boredom and plateaus, AI can introduce new exercises and training methods.

  • Recovery: If you’re not recovering well or experiencing fatigue, AI can suggest adjustments to reduce workout intensity or include more rest days.

Example Platforms

  • Fitbod: Uses machine learning to adapt your strength training program based on your workout history and current performance.

  • Nike Training Club: Offers tailored recommendations and adjustments based on your activity levels and feedback.

5. Monitor Your Progress

Tracking your progress is vital for staying motivated and achieving your fitness goals. AI can help by:

  • Data analysis: Many fitness apps automatically track metrics such as workout duration, calories burned, and strength gains.

  • Feedback: Some platforms provide insights based on your performance, suggesting adjustments to keep you on track.

For instance, apps like Strava for runners and cyclists or Garmin Connect for multi-sport athletes analyze your data to provide valuable insights into your progress.

6. Enhance Recovery and Nutrition

AI isn’t just for workouts; it can also help optimize recovery and nutrition, crucial components of any fitness program. Tools and apps can help you by:

  • Suggesting recovery strategies: AI can recommend active recovery sessions, stretching routines, or even mindfulness practices based on your workout intensity. One of my issues in the gym was that I tended to skip stretching and recovery exercises since I wasn't sure which ones I should be doing, and I highly recommend not making this same mistake.

  • Nutritional guidance: Apps like Lifesum use AI to provide personalized meal plans and nutrition advice based on your fitness goals and dietary preferences.

7. Stay Engaged and Motivated

To maintain a successful fitness journey, it’s essential to stay engaged. AI can help by:

  • Setting reminders: Many apps can send you notifications to keep you accountable for your workouts.

  • Community support: Some platforms offer social features where you can connect with others on similar fitness journeys, enhancing motivation and accountability.

Recommended Apps

Conclusion

Using AI to create a personalized workout program can significantly enhance your fitness journey. By assessing your goals, current fitness level, and preferences, AI-driven tools can design a program tailored just for you (for free). With the ability to adapt and monitor your progress, these apps are a powerful way to stay motivated and achieve your fitness aspirations. Getting started is always the hardest part, but you've got this! Cheers to working smarter and harder. If you have any other favorite fitness apps please feel free to drop them in the comments.

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