Alexa — An AI that replaced my Fitness trainer
“It has become appallingly obvious that our technology has exceeded our humanity.”
Quoted by the 1921 Nobel Prize winner of Physics, Albert Einstein was quick to realize the advancement of technology in the future. An example of Advanced Technology is Alexa. Alexa, a virtual assistant AI, is capable of performing out-of-the-box functions like voice interaction, making lists, playing music, providing real-time information, and many more things. Taking advantage of this technology, I found that Alexa is capable of becoming a fitness trainer as well. Ever since the pandemic arose, we no longer do physical activities to a greater extent than to what we used to do before. Walking, Running, Bicycling, and many more activities have been limited. Also, to the gym addicts, we cannot go to the gym anytime we require. Flexing those muscles and upgrading them day by day used to be the vibe. I, a fitness freak myself, also love to keep track of my health and fitness. So, the following are a few skills that convert Alexa, your virtual AI assistant, into your fitness trainer:
7-minute Workout
As the name suggests, the 7-minute workout is one of the skills which has been scientifically proven to increase metabolism, improve energy, lower the stress levels, and most importantly, get rid of fat. This skill is ideal for a person who wants to bring a change in his body. To start this little journey of becoming fit, all you have to do is say “Alexa, start 7-Minute Workout” and for the next 7 minutes, you will be doing a variety of exercises which turns out to be a complete body workout!
5-minute plank workout
The plank strengthens your spine and abdominal muscles which naturally results in a strong posture as they grow in strength. If you want to strengthen the core muscles, then this workout will do wonders! There are a total of 6 sets to be done in this workout. These sets will have a variety of planks like a full plank, elbow plank, raised leg plank, and side plank. Also, a 10-second break is given on completion of each set. To start the workout, just say “Alexa, Start 5-Minute Plank.”
Track by Nutritionix
Calories are invisible barriers that may or may not help us in keeping our body fit. Eating more calories than burning them will lead to weight gain. If this happens, then changing the physique of the body will become strenuous. Hence, to keep track of calories, there is this skill called Track by Nutritionix. This skill helps in tracking the calories that you consume every day. It also gives details regarding the calories present in a particular food item. For eg., 1 Chicken Whopper Burger from Burger King has around 630 cal. To burn all of these 630 calories, this is what is to be done:-
As seen from the above data, it requires 1 hr 36 mins of cycling, 1 hour of running, and 3 hrs 48 mins of cleaning. So, keeping track of calories and acquiring information about the calories present in a particular food item is essential for weight loss and bodybuilding. To get access to this masterpiece, just say “Alexa, open Food Tracker.”
Daybreak Yoga
As physical exercise is important for the physique of the body, mental health is equally important. A person should keep control of his/her emotions. What’s better than to start the day with a few Yoga exercises early in the morning. These exercises will help to reduce stress, increase concentration, increase body awareness, and most importantly relax your mind. This skill gives Yoga poses that can be done while you are still present in bed. It has personally helped me a lot whenever I had a stressful day. So, just say these 4 magic words “Alexa, Start Daybreak Yoga” and continue your day with peace of mind.
Daily Stretch
Stretching is a very good activity to get rid of laziness. Stretching helps in keeping the muscles strong, flexible, and healthy to maintain some kind of motion in our joints. Alexa has a skill called Daily Stretch. It consists of simple stretches that work on different parts of your body. You could ask for stretches of specific parts of the body. For eg., if you feel you need to stretch your neck area, then you can ask Alexa by saying “Alexa, ask Daily stretch for a neck stretch”. You could also request a series of stretches for your lower and upper parts of the body. To activate this skill, just say “Alexa, open Daily Stretch.”
In the end, Alexa has more than hundreds of fitness skills to choose from. But, choosing the best out of them will prove to be the difference-maker. I have started my journey to change myself. When will you start yours?
