Can a Robot Get You a Six-Pack?
by stewart lochrie
If you’d rather stay on the sofa with a cuppa than hit the gym—but still harbour secret hopes of six‑pack glory—AI fitness might sound like your dream. Let’s see what’s actually possible, and whether a robot can really do the hard work for you.
The Latest AI Fitness Innovations
AI‑Powered Exercise Bike – The CAROL bike uses Reduced Exertion HIIT: two intense 20‑second sprints with low‑intensity cycling in between. It claims to match a 45‑minute run in just five minutes. AI continuously adjusts resistance based on your fitness level. There's a membership required, and you can try it risk‑free for 100 days with full refund and free delivery.
Smartwatch AI Coaches
Fitbit’s Gemini Wellness Coach (via redesigned Fitbit app) offers bespoke workout plans for Premium subscribers. You’ll need Fitbit Premium (£9.99 pm or $79.99 pa) and a compatible device, like the new Pixel Watch 4.
Apple’s Workout Buddy is found in watchOS 26 for Apple Watch users. It delivers motivational, real‑time feedback using actual Fitness+ trainer voices, processing everything on your device for privacy.
AI Strength Training Device – amp
The amp system is a home strength machine that tailors resistance in real time. It costs around US $23/month for AI‑guided workouts and performance tracking, with pre‑orders already shipping.
AI Form‑Correction Tools
FormCoach uses your webcam and AI vision‑language models to spot form errors during strength and mobility exercises in real time—like having a virtual trainer at home.
PosePilot offers instant posture correction during exercise (e.g., yoga), running on edge devices so your focus stays on the workout, not the Wi‑Fi.
So… Can a Robot Do It for You?
Not quite. AI tools can motivate, personalise, and guide your workouts—they adjust efforts, correct form, even buzz you through sprints while you watch TV. But sorry—getting that six-pack still needs some actual physical effort.
The Loaded (Somewhat) Effortless Option
For minimal effort, check out the CAROL bike. It offers efficient cardio—and that’s a start. Cloth-fitting aside, abs don’t appear without burning fat or building muscle.