Physiotherapist shares five tips for using artificial intelligence to plan daily workouts

Artificial intelligence can help build a structured exercise routine, but users must share specific details about their current fitness level, failure point, and maximum limit to avoid injuries. Dr Simran Thapar, an assistant professor in the Department of Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy at K J Somaiya College of Physiotherapy, shared five key tips to keep in mind before following an AI-generated workout plan.

Workout Levels

AI-generated plans are often generic and do not factor in individual muscle strength, mobility, or endurance. Users should ask for exercises starting from the lowest beginner level up to the highest advanced level rather than attempting extreme movements all at once. For instance, jumping straight to planks instead of starting with a simple bridge can recruit the wrong muscles and cause injuries.

Muscle Focus

While AI can suggest exercises and repetitions, it cannot check in real time if a person is working the intended muscles. Users should ask the AI which specific muscles each exercise targets and where the effort should feel concentrated, such as lunges working the glutes and quadriceps.

Rest Days

Following an AI workout every day without enough rest causes exhaustion. Dr Thapar advised against forcing a session just to meet a daily goal set by an app, noting that users can ask for a lighter session or take time to rest instead.

Progression

Physical progress should not be automatic simply because a week has passed or an app says a user is ready. People should avoid rushing to lift heavier weights or do more reps just to keep up with a timeline.

Context

Artificial intelligence tools are increasingly used for personal health and fitness guidance, but they lack human clinical judgment. Consulting qualified medical professionals or physiotherapists helps ensure that exercise routines match individual body responses and safety limits.