Artificial intelligence (AI) is gaining traction in various aspects of life, from healthcare to education, transportation, and fitness. The COVID-19 pandemic has only accelerated this trend, as people searched for effective ways to stay in proper shape at home. According to some market forecasts, the AI fitness market is expected to grow by 14% annually until 2030. The key factors driving this growth include increasing demand for personalized fitness solutions, advancements in AI technology, and the rise of virtual coaching.
The benefits of AI-powered workouts
AI technology uses advanced algorithms, machine learning, and data analysis to find patterns in large amounts of data. AI-powered machines get the ability to learn, find solutions, and make decisions which allows them to perform tasks that would previously require human intelligence.
New-generation devices track motion, velocity, heart rate, number of reps, and other important workout indicators to make your home workout almost as customized as one-on-one training with a coach. AI fitness apps empower your workout in several ways:
- tailor workouts to your fitness level and gradually increase difficulty as you progress
- provide real-time form analysis and immediate feedback
- offer personal recommendations to achieve your fitness goals faster
- make your workout routine safer reducing injury rates
- use gamification to increase your engagement level
- connect your training data with your nutrition records, sleeping schedule, and other health indicators for holistic wellness
- adjust your workout plan to external factors such as stress, strain, sleep, or recovery
As a result, AI-driven virtual trainers have reported a 35% increase in user engagement compared to traditional online workout platforms.
Some experts suggest that AI could eventually replace personal trainers and group fitness programs, while others disagree. A personal trainer’s value also includes interaction with a real person that a machine cannot replace. Most likely, AI will serve as a beneficial tool for trainers to better assist their clients.
Types of AI-powered equipment
AI-powered fitness tools include smart exercise equipment, virtual personal trainers, AI-powered fitness apps, and wearable devices.
CAROL Bike
This unique AI-powered exercise bike provides the shortest, most effective workout tailored to your fitness level and performance.
CAROL Bike is the only exercise bike fully optimized for Reduced Exertion HIIT (REHIT)—a 5-minute workout proven to deliver superior fitness benefits in 90% less time compared to regular cardio.
Here’s a breakdown of REHIT on CAROL:
- Warm-up (20 seconds – 2 minutes)
- Sprint 1 (20 seconds)
- Recovery (1-3 minutes)
- Sprint 2 (20 seconds)
- Cooldown (3 minutes
During the 2×20-second sprints, CAROL’s AI-personalization helps you push to your limits. Like in a ‘fight or flight’ situation, your muscles are forced to mobilize about 25-30% of muscular glycogen—your emergency energy reserve—which flips the metabolic switch. As a result, you develop more mitochondria, your blood plasma volume increases, and your heart gets stronger. Resulting in increased aerobic and anaerobic capacity.
The all-out intensity is the driving force behind REHIT. That’s why it’s only possible to perform with an AI-based personalization that instantly adjusts the resistance level during your workout. It also makes training suitable for any age and fitness level.
You can go for the shortest 5-minute classic REHIT workout or choose from a library of 22 workouts for different fitness goals.
CAROL is scientifically proven to deliver superior health and fitness benefits in 90% less time than traditional cardio.
AI fitness coach apps
AI fitness coach apps simulate the experience of working with a personal trainer.
When you’re getting started, you fill in a short quiz about your motivation, fitness goals, experience level, how much time you have to work out, and available equipment. Then, your virtual coach will build a personalized workout plan based on your answers. The app will propose bodyweight-only workouts if you don’t have any equipment.
During individual workouts, your virtual coach will guide you through each exercise, give feedback on your performance, and provide some motivation. For example, if your heart rate is beyond your target zone, it will suggest slowing down to get into the zone.
An AI trainer will use an incentive system to encourage you to finish the program. When your performance increases, you’ll be rewarded with trophies. If you skip your classes, you will get notifications from the coach motivating you to come back.
Some fitness coach apps go beyond workout guidance. They suggest guided meditations, personalized nutrition tips, sleep alarms adjusted to your circadian rhythms, and other features to improve your holistic well-being.
Smart home gym
Smart home gyms typically feature a touchscreen with online classes, electromagnetic pulleys for strength training, and AI-powered 3D sensors that track motion. Depending on the package, it may include accessories for strength training such as dumbbells, barbells, collars, weight plates, competition plates, a kettlebell system, and a folding workout bench.
During workouts, AI-powered 3D sensors track motion, count the number of reps, and detect the dumbbell weights you’re using. An AI optimizes sets and weights during your workout, ensuring you’re always lifting the optimal load to build muscle. At the end of the class, it will evaluate your fitness level and technique, and give you personalized recommendations for your next workout. Some machines will determine which of your muscles are ready to work or still need recovery, based on your previous workouts.
Smart home gym equipment is a space-saving option compared to regular gym equipment. One sleek machine will give you a full-body workout and magnetic resistance will save you from storing bulky weights at home.
Smart fitness mirrors
A smart fitness mirror shares similar features with a smart gym: a touchscreen, 3D sensors for motion tracking, AI support for personalized feedback, and a library of live and on-demand classes. The difference between the two kinds of equipment is the type of training you can perform. Whilst a smart gym is designed primarily for strength training (although some models offer more options), a smart mirror is used for cardio workouts, yoga, stretching, pilates, or boxing. The mirror is more space-saving than a smart gym. If a smart gym looks like a workout armoire, the mirror is a flat lightweight screen that can be leaned against the wall.
During the workout, a smart mirror displays the coach at the center of the screen who gives you detailed instructions for each exercise. At the same time, you can also see your reflection which makes it handy to repeat the movements.
The main advantage of this AI fitness equipment is that it doesn’t require almost any floor space and provides a wide range of workout options. They will work great for people who like to mix up their workout routine. Some mirrors also offer 1-on-1 training with a coach for extra cost.
Fitness trackers & wearable devices
While wearable fitness trackers and smartwatches are not new, AI has revolutionized the way they collect and analyze data. New-generation devices come in new forms of smart rings, headphones, insoles, and even yoga pants.
Regular fitness trackers monitor standard indicators such as walking distance, the number of stairs, or sleeping time. Smart motion sensors in the new generation of wearable devices recognize and adapt to a wider range of movements. AI self-learning and personalization features allow users to train these devices for endless new fitness activities based on repetitive, cyclical patterns.
For example, during the workout, the AI fitness tracker will automatically count the number of crunches, squats, or push-ups you did, and analyze the intensity of your training. After analyzing the data collected from the sensors, it will provide personalized feedback on the most effective way to achieve your goal. For example, the wearable device can suggest the best exercise routine for losing weight based on your current progress.
Runners will be delighted to make the most out of AI fitness apps that measure cadence, step length, and foot strike offering real-time tips to enhance running technique and reduce the risk of injury.
Many fitness apps track advanced health indicators of your general well-being: blood oxygen level, skin temperature, sleep phases, blood pressure, glucose levels, and more. Some models go as far as to measure your metabolism based on your breath composition. This allows them to give comprehensive recommendations for healthier lifestyle choices. For instance, such apps can suggest smart nutrition planning and a better sleeping regime for optimal weight loss. They will send reminders to do certain activities based on your circadian rhythms and regime.
With the AI running on the sensor itself, it can continuously track and analyze your activities with no Internet connection needed. Your personal data is stored offline and remains private.
Conclusion
The future of AI in fitness is more promising than ever. According to statistics, more than every 10th person is already using fitness apps, and this number will hit 13.21% by 2029. AI can help you train smarter, not harder—by finding personal ingredients to your fitness success. If you haven’t tried any AI-powered fitness equipment yet, CAROL Bike is the top option to start with.
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