You & AI: Can AI be your gym buddy?

Mumbai-based Shantanu Pednekar had doubts about portion control, Siliguri-based Avirup Nag sought a vegetarian-friendly fitness plan, and New Delhi’s Anjana PV needed easy standing exercises due to knee pain. While their concerns differed, they all found the same solution — AI tools that provided customised guidance, helping them stay on track with their fitness goals.
“I used AI and saw the results myself — it was effective. It helped me create a personalised fitness routine and made tracking progress easier and more motivating,” says Pednekar.
Experts warn against blindly following AI-recommended exercises without considering individual limitations. “Overreliance on AI can lead to poor form, overtraining, or lack of rest. It may also miss minor pain, increasing the risk of injury if not addressed in time,” says Kushal Pal Singh, fitness and performance expert at Anytime Fitness.

AI’S ROLE IN FITNESS
Siliguri-based Avirup Nag (26) has been experimenting with ChatGPT to tailor his diet plans. “Initially, I followed several fitness coaches and influencers on social media for healthy diet tips. As I prefer a vegetarian diet over a non-vegetarian one, I use AI tools to find suitable alternatives.” Another AI user, Shantanu Pednekar (23) says, “AI helps with portion sizes and nutrition but overlooks personal factors such as metabolism and cooking styles. While it is useful, human judgment remains essential.”
“For exercises, I rely on AI when a trainer is unavailable. I believe that at a beginner level, AI can be a useful guide. However, progress ultimately depends on our dedication to both diet and exercise. AI tools only provide the information — it is up to us to incorporate it into our routine,” Nag adds.
Anjana PV (27) recalls that when she wasn’t feeling well, the AI adjusted her meal and workout plan. “It advised me not to put too much stress on my body, especially if I had cramps, and to avoid putting pressure on my stomach.” She adds, “As for progress and feedback, it once provided me with a weekly plan. When I prompted AI, mentioning that I had lost a few kilos and asked if I should reduce my calorie intake further, it advised against it. Instead, it made some adjustments to my meals.”
REASONS TO USE AI
‘Gives out detailed explanation’“AI offers detailed explanations for each query in a structured manner, backed by thorough research, which enhances subject understanding. However, we cannot follow all recommendations exactly as they are. While AI provides direction, structure, and research, it is essential to tweak them and add a human touch before applying them,” says Pednekar, who prefers using Perplexity AI for its user-friendly interface and well-researched data.
As per Anjana, using AI is pocket-friendly. Sharing her experience, she says, “It's cost-effective since I don't use the premium version of ChatGPT. Around six to seven months ago, I subscribed to a premium workout and personalised meal plan run by a personal fitness trainer and his team. It cost me approximately ₹3,500 for a month. However, a few months later, I realised that AI was suggesting the same things they had recommended. I realised it was almost identical to what I had done with the trainer.”
Experts say AI has changed fitness by providing personalised workout plans based on a person's goals, fitness level, and interests. “It gives real-time feedback and tracks progress. AI-powered apps also offer virtual coaching to ensure the right technique and provide diet advice, making training possible anywhere,” says fitness and performance expert Kushal Pal Singh.
REASONS NOT TO USE AI
Experts state that human trainers provide motivation, personalised adjustments, and injury prevention — something AI cannot fully replicate. “Advanced AI fitness protocols use user-inputted data and sensor feedback from wearables to consider injury history, and muscle imbalances. However, they rely only on the information provided to them. While AI can suggest workouts, human trainers can spot subtle movement issues and correct them in real-time,” says Kushal.
AI-generated diet plans rely on basic user data, which may not fully meet individual nutritional needs. Muskan Soni, a nutritionist explains, “Factors like mental and physical health, medical history, and lifestyle must be considered. AI plans can be monotonous, whereas nutritionists ensure variety, preventing diet fatigue and aiding consistency. Moreover, AI lacks personalised guidance, motivation, and progress reviews, which are crucial for helping individuals stay on track and achieve their fitness goals.”
Soni adds, “No matter how advanced technology becomes, AI can never replace real nutrition experts. People often struggle to understand their calorie needs based on their lifestyle and diet. AI creates meal plans that may seem suitable but often overlook key factors like age, height, and individual requirements.”