Tech

IS AI REPLACING IRL TRAINERS?

Ar tificial intelligence is changing the game. Question is: Are you up for the challenge?

TONAL While you’re hoisting up to 200 pounds of cable resistance generated by Tonal’s two extendable arms, proprietary sensor technology within the 24-inch touchscreen analyzes your movement patterns. The machine’s AI provides feedback for improvement, like “Drive your hips farther back to get lower.” Because it tracks speed, resistance and form, Tonal can add weight during reps if you’re crushing a set or scale back when you’re flagging. It’s the most reliable spotter you’ll ever have. From $2,995; tonal.com

IF YOU THINK hiring an overenthusiastic personal trainer is the only way to get fit, make like Joaquin Phoenix in Her and lean on artificial intelligence. (Just don’t fall in love with your new virtual BFF.) It’s baked into “smart” gym equipment, making home workouts about as personalized as one-on-one training. That’s a good thing, because “technology gives you metrics that are very objective,” says Rahul Rajan, chief artificial intelligence officer of Uplift Labs in Palo Alto, CA. “They also can spot population-based patterns that could predict injury, which is very powerful.”

That’s not a replacement for human expertise and intuition, though. “Technology can throw numbers at you, but how do you contextualize them with how you’re feeling that day?” says Rajan. There’s no algorithm (yet) that can account for stress, illness and other factors that influence fitness.

Using these devices alongside a personal trainer who can use that information to program dynamically is likely the best application, he adds. Here, our favorite AI-enabled devices.

VITRUVIAN TRAINER+ Lifting heavy at home can be intimidating, but the Vitruvian Trainer+ acts as a coach and spotter. What looks like a futuristic aerobic step hides 440 pounds of resistance and adaptive weight technology. The machine’s AI learns from your workout behavior and adjusts weights accordingly, increasing load if you’re banging out reps and decreasing if you’re struggling to reach full range of motion. Use the app to make workouts or choose from classes created by elite coaches. From $2,495, vitruvianform.com TEMPO STUDIO A motion sensor camera inside this easel-sized structure hones in on 25 essential joints as you move to produce a 3D model of your body on its 42-inch HD screen. AI measures range of motion to provide real-time visual feedback, personalized technique tips, recommend weight and tailor training around your progress. During live classes, instructors cue similar form corrections and use heart rate data, rep counts and any other feedback from the system to coach you accordingly. From $2,495; tempo.fit PELOTON GUIDE Peloton’s voice-activated, webcam-like camera beams your image onto a screen next to the instructor’s so you can mimic movements and correct your form. Meanwhile, the AI-powered Movement Tracker feature counts reps and the Body Activity feature highlights which muscle groups you’ve recently worked. (The more you work a muscle, the darker blue it will appear.) Based on that data, Guide can recommend classes focused on other muscle groups for a more well-balanced regimen. From $295; onepeloton.com

BEING NEXT LEVEL Giving Back and Changing

WHETHER YOU VOLUNTEER, DONATE OR PERFORM RANDOM ACTS OF KINDNESS, IT’S EASY TO SEE THAT CHANGE STARTS WHEN WE ALL DO OUR PART.

Dr. Sean Levchuck, chairman of pediatrics and pediatric cardiology at St. Francis Hospital, and Polina Shchepaniak from Ukraine

Meet Dr. Sean Levchuck, who makes a diff erence in a NEXT LEVEL way, changing the lives of children by donating life-saving surgeries. Dr. Levchuck believes in paying it forward in whatever way he can. After seeing the sacrifi ces that others made for him over the years, it was only natural that he too would give back—it just so happens that his career as a pediatric cardiologist gives him the ultimate way to make a diff erence. Helping children and their families through diffi cult times is at the heart of everything he does.

“Since 1996, I have been involved with the amazing Gift of Life organization. With their help, I have been able to donate hundreds of surgeries at St. Francis Hospital to children in need without

cost to their families. So, what began as a FaceTime call with a doctor in Ukraine, ended up being another very special story.” Meet 9-Year-Old Polina Dr. Levchuck and his team stepped in to help Polina and her family when the “IN THE END, IT’S ALL ABOUT GIVING BACK. IT’S A GREAT FEELING TO KNOW I CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE IN THE LIFE OF A CHILD.” Ukrainian Children’s Hospital was no longer operational due to the invasion. The Gift of Life stepped in to provide safe passage to the United States through Poland. Polina is recovered and now has the opportunity to live a long and healthy life. Dr. Levchuck, St. Francis Hospital, the Gift of Life and other organizations work together for children like Polina from all over the world. They are an inspiration, and a reminder that together we can change the world and make it a better place.

Shine the light

NEXT LEVEL FITNESS WATER is proud to shine the light on people making a difference. We are committed to helping everyone get to their next level. Our next level is giving back. We donate a por tion of all profits to autism and the blind. Together we can all make a difference. TO LEARN MORE about Next Level Fitness Water, Dr. Sean Levchuck or the Gift of Life, reach out to: Info@drinknextlevel.com