With fitness tech becoming increasingly popular, many people are turning to AI for personalized workout plans, hoping to take the guesswork out of their exercise routines. But is AI truly capable of creating workout plans that deliver optimal results without compromising safety? To explore this, experts at Live Football Tickets partnered with Personal Trainer Robert Hemingway (@gym_bobb) to evaluate an AI-generated weekly workout routine.
The workout plan—designed for fat loss—includes a mix of cardio, strength training, and core exercises spread throughout the week, with specific exercises like sprints, push-ups, squats, and kettlebell swings. While the intention is to promote fat loss and build muscle, Hemingway raises several concerns regarding the plan’s effectiveness and safety.
Key Issues with AI-Generated Workouts
- Lack of Personalization: One major downside of AI workouts is their generalization. AI doesn’t account for an individual’s fitness level, goals, or any underlying health conditions, which are crucial for designing an effective plan. As Hemingway points out, “no journey is ever the same,” and this one-size-fits-all approach can lead to suboptimal results or even injury.
- Risk of Injury: The absence of rest times, appropriate volume, and intensity adjustments can increase the risk of injury, especially for beginners or those pushing their limits without adequate guidance.
- Nutritional Misinformation: AI-generated plans often overlook the importance of proper nutrition, such as the need for a balanced calorie deficit and appropriate macronutrient distribution. As Hemingway notes, “under-eating on this plan would be very easy, and highly dangerous.”
- Inaccurate Protein Intake: While AI might recommend 1-1.2g of protein per pound of body weight, this is generally too high for the average person. Hemingway recommends 0.8-1g of protein per pound of lean muscle mass as a more appropriate guideline for most individuals.