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Time of India
4 days ago
- Health
- Time of India
No gym, no fees, only ChatGPT: Woman shares free AI apps for fitness diets, workouts, health tracking
In a growing shift towards tech-driven fitness solutions, a new trend is emerging — people are replacing traditional gym instructors with artificial intelligence. The combination of accessibility, customization, and cost-effectiveness has made AI tools an increasingly popular alternative to personal trainers. From building strength to managing diets, individuals are using free AI apps like ChatGPT to take full control of their health and fitness routines. Turning to AI for Fitness and Motivation For many, staying fit has long been tied to expensive gym memberships, group classes, and branded activewear. However, these costs don't always translate into consistent results. In one such case, a woman decided to rework her entire approach by using ChatGPT and other AI tools to manage her workouts, track progress, and design meal plans. She reported becoming stronger, leaner, and more self-disciplined — all while saving hundreds of dollars over time, as per Business Insider. Initially reliant on a gym instructor for motivation and structure, she experienced a drop in consistency when her trainer left. Attempts to switch gyms or test alternatives failed to yield long-term commitment. Despite trying habit-tracking methods and motivational purchases, her fitness goals remained out of reach until she decided to build her own routine with AI's support. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like A brain tumor threatens his life. Please save him. Donate For Health Donate Now Undo ChatGPT and Free Apps That Deliver Results With prior experience using ChatGPT and Perplexity AI for daily tasks like recipes and trip planning, she repurposed the tool to create customized workout routines. Each week, she entered her progress and goals into ChatGPT and received updated training plans. This not only kept her accountable but also allowed her to adapt workouts based on her own feedback — something she hadn't achieved even with in-person trainers. She also turned to ChatGPT to better understand the science behind nutrition, including protein requirements for muscle growth. This led her to use additional free apps like Cronometer, which helped her track calories, macronutrients, and even micronutrients such as iron and vitamins. Another recommended app, Hevy, enabled her to log workout reps in real-time, while Gymmade offered animated demonstrations for weight training — giving her confidence in using equipment effectively. Within weeks, she began to notice tangible results. Her muscle tone improved, she doubled her lifting weight, and her energy levels increased. She even discontinued her gym membership in favor of using a free local outdoor facility. Importantly, the shift was not just physical but mental — she credited AI tools for helping her understand discipline, motivation, and habit formation more deeply. AI Fitness: Growing Popularity, But Caution Urged Her experience mirrors that of others. Siliguri-based Avirup Nag, who preferred vegetarian diet plans, and Mumbai's Shantanu Pednekar, who needed help with portion control, also found success using AI. New Delhi's Anjana PV used AI to modify her plan when dealing with physical discomfort and received tailored suggestions to adjust her workout without overexertion. For these users, AI acted like a virtual coach — offering structure, detailed feedback, and real-time guidance. Experts agree that AI has made it possible to personalise workouts based on individual goals and fitness levels. But they also caution users not to rely entirely on it. Fitness professionals like Kushal Pal Singh of Anytime Fitness note that while AI can create routines, it can't monitor form or prevent injury like a human trainer can. Benefits and Boundaries Users widely praise AI for being cost-effective and convenient. As Anjana pointed out, she was paying Rs 3,500 per month for a personal trainer before realizing AI was offering nearly identical guidance — for free. Still, health professionals warn that AI tools are only as good as the data provided to them. They may miss nuances such as movement issues, injury risks, or dietary preferences unless manually addressed. Nutritionist Muskan Soni highlighted that AI-generated meal plans often lack variety and fail to consider mental and physical health factors. This can lead to diet fatigue or plans that don't suit individual lifestyles. Despite its limitations, AI's ability to provide structure, research-backed information, and real-time adjustments has made it a powerful tool for self-driven fitness.
Daily Record
01-05-2025
- Health
- Daily Record
Glasgow woman loses 13 stone without giving up her favourite food
A Scottish woman who shed over half her body weight has credited small, consistent changes for her dramatic transformation. Karen Heffernan, residing just outside Glasgow, decided to take control of her health following a minor health scare and a challenging conversation with a surgeon. Rather than obsessing over calories, she utilised a fitness app to implement a series of small, gradual changes. Over approximately 18 months, she lost an impressive 13 and a half stone, more than half her initial weight of 26 and a half stone. She claims to be in the best physical and mental shape of her life, stating: "I can't believe it's actually been so simple. I've not felt deprived along the way, my motto just now is 'delay don't deny.' You can have the treats, you have the yin and the yang, you build things up. READ MORE: Hoover's 'absolutely brilliant' cordless vacuum cheaper than Amazon and Shark with 56% off READ MORE: Shoppers with thinning hair see 'significantly less loss' and 'stronger' strands using kit "This isn't through surgery, it's not through medication or any of that, some vitamins along the way, yes, but good food, good exercise, good sleep and motivation to keep you going along the way." She detailed how her health overhaul has transformed her life, providing her with increased energy among other benefits. She added: "It's little things like going out for a meal and not having to worry about where you're sitting or going on an aeroplane and not worrying, if you're in the middle seat, about encroaching on anyone else." Fitness and wellbeing apps have seen a surge in popularity in recent years, particularly during the pandemic as people sought to maintain their fitness during lockdown. From meal tracking apps like MyFitnessPal and LoseIt to digital workout programmes like Hevy , there are now numerous options available to help individuals keep a tool handy for achieving their fitness goals. The Simple app combines various elements from these apps into one, offering fitness options ranging from strength training and cardio to chair yoga, along with a host of other high-tech tools. It features NutriScanner, which can track the nutritional value of meals simply by using a photo, and an intermittent fasting tracker for those wanting to swap calorie counting for the popular method also used in Michael Mosley's 16:8 plan that aims to boost metabolism by adjusting meal timings, reports the Mirror . Additionally, it includes an AI-powered assistant, Avo, which can provide advice and answer questions throughout the journey. Currently, the Simple app is offering a 60% discount for all new signups when users use the code REACH60 at checkout. Upon signing up, individuals will be asked to complete an online questionnaire about their diet and exercise preferences and goals. This information is then used to create a fully tailored plan based on the individual's needs and schedule. Karen shared her approach to shedding the pounds: "I started small, I found the intermittent fasting lifestyle, did a lot of research and I gradually built things up. Simple was a great way to track the fasts that I was doing and gives you tips along the way. I also introduced Avo, which was great in giving you some tips for health and nutrition and making recipes." She offered some advice for others on the same path: "One of my first tips is to just keep going. Guilt? Get it out the window. There's always the next day where you can start again and get on the journey. Exercise is really important. Now I do core stability, I'm doing pilates and you can't stop me from walking. I take the family on little walks after a meal." Karen's story is just one amongst the 17 million globally who have turned to the app in pursuit of better fitness. For sharing her real story, Karen has received compensation from Simple. It's worth noting that individual results with the app can vary, and anyone considering significant lifestyle alterations should consult medical professionals first. The Simple Life app is boasting a strong endorsement from users, securing an impressive 4.2 out of 5 stars on Trustpilot, with over 28,000 reviews chiming in. One satisfied user who left a five-star review can't sing its praises highly enough, remarking: "Love this app. It's teaching me how to make eating healthy and being active a lifestyle that I can continue on my own. Love the workouts that I can adjust from low to high depending on my time and energy. Logging food and water is easy, as well as using their AI to get recipes from a list that I have in my pantry and fridge to scanning menus at restaurants to help me choose the best option." Another advocate heaped accolades on Avo for its motivational factor, saying: "The coach is helpful. Also, when I fall off track the coach doesn't make me feel like I failed the day. It is very encouraging and helps keep me motivated and focused." However, not all feedback was glowing; one user who gave three stars expressed concerns about overdependence on technology: "I feel tied to my phone. It's not good for me." Yet, for another reviewer, the app's convenience was exactly what they were looking for, praising it as 'one of the best weight loss and lifestyle apps I've ever used,' and elaborating: "It's the best culmination of evidence based strategies (fasting, Mediterranean diet, mindfulness, etc) plus the power of AI, which is like having a personal health coach or therapist in your pocket. Also, I love that tracking is so easy and more focused on the quality of food choices vs cumbersome portion size and nutrition tracking like programs of the past." The Simple app, available on Android and iOS, is currently offering a 60% discount with the code REACH60 at checkout.
Wales Online
27-04-2025
- Health
- Wales Online
Woman who weighed 26 stone loses half her body weight without giving up treats
Woman who weighed 26 stone loses half her body weight without giving up treats Karen Heffernan, from near Glasgow, shed a staggering 13-and-a-half stone over the course of around 18 months, which equates to losing more than half her body weight without ever counting a single calorie. Karen Haffernan has shared her weight loss journey after losing more than 13 stone (Image: Simple ) A woman from Scotland who shed over half her body weight has attributed her remarkable transformation to small, consistent changes. Karen Heffernan, residing just outside Glasgow, decided to take control of her health following a minor health scare and a challenging discussion with a surgeon. Rather than obsessing over calories, she utilised a fitness app to implement a series of minor, gradual changes. Over approximately 18 months, she lost an impressive 13 and a half stone, more than half her initial weight of 26 and a half stone. Karen asserts that she's now in the best physical and mental shape of her life, stating: "I can't believe it's actually been so simple. I've not felt deprived along the way, my motto just now is 'delay don't deny.' You can have the treats, you have the yin and the yang, you build things up. READ MORE: Shoppers who 'used to shave every day' praise IPL device as hair growth is 'non existent' READ MORE: GAP's £75 denim bomber jacket is the perfect spring wardrobe staple "This isn't through surgery, it's not through medication or any of that, some vitamins along the way, yes, but good food, good exercise, good sleep and motivation to keep you going along the way. She detailed how this health overhaul has positively impacted her life, providing her with increased energy among other benefits. She added: "It's little things like going out for a meal and not having to worry about where you're sitting or going on an aeroplane and not worrying, if you're in the middle seat, about encroaching on anyone else. The popularity of fitness and wellbeing apps has surged in recent years, particularly during the pandemic as individuals sought ways to maintain their fitness during lockdown. From meal tracking apps like MyFitnessPal and LoseIt to digital workout programmes such as Hevy, there's now a plethora of tools available to assist people in achieving their fitness goals. Simple app is now 60% off £29.99 £17.99 Simple Buy Here using the code REACH60 Product Description If shoppers want to try the Simple app for themselves, it's currently 60 per cent off with code REACH60 The Simple app amalgamates various features from these apps, offering fitness options that range from strength training and cardio to chair yoga, along with a suite of other high-tech tools. It includes NutriScanner, which can assess the nutritional value of meals using just a photo, and an intermittent fasting tracker for those who prefer this method over calorie counting, reports the Mirror. This approach is also utilised in Michael Mosley's 16:8 plan, which aims to boost metabolism by adjusting meal timings. Additionally, the app features an AI-powered assistant, Avo, which offers advice and answers questions throughout the user's fitness journey. Currently, the Simple app is offering a 60% discount for all new signups using the code REACH60 at checkout. Upon signing up, users will be asked to complete an online questionnaire about their diet and exercise preferences and goals. This information is used to create a fully customised plan tailored to each individual's needs and schedule. Karen detailed her weight loss journey, stating: "I started small, I found the intermittent fasting lifestyle, did a lot of research and I gradually built things up. Simple was a great way to track the fasts that I was doing and gives you tips along the way. I also introduced Avo, which was great in giving you some tips for health and nutrition and making recipes." (Image: Simple ) She shared her advice for others: "One of my first tips is to just keep going. Guilt? Get it out the window. There's always the next day where you can start again and get on the journey. Exercise is really important. Now I do core stability, I'm doing pilates and you can't stop me from walking. I take the family on little walks after a meal." Karen is among the more than 17 million users worldwide who have turned to the app as a tool to improve their fitness levels. Her testimonial was compensated by Simple and results with the app can differ; individuals should seek medical advice before undergoing significant lifestyle changes. The Simple App boasts an impressive average rating of 4.2 out of 5 on Trustpilot, with over 28,000 reviews to back it up. A recent five-star reviewer couldn't help but share their enthusiasm for the app: "Love this app. It's teaching me how to make eating healthy and being active a lifestyle that I can continue on my own. Love the workouts that I can adjust from low to high depending on my time and energy. Logging food and water is easy, as well as using their AI to get recipes from a list that I have in my pantry and fridge to scanning menus at restaurants to help me choose the best option." Another user applauded the app's motivational aspect: "The coach is helpful. Also, when I fall off track the coach doesn't make me feel like I failed the day. It is very encouraging and helps keep me motivated and focused." The app isn't without its critics, however; one three-star review stated: "I feel tied to my phone. It's not good for me." Article continues below Yet for another user, the convenience was a significant advantage, stating it's 'one of the best weight loss and lifestyle apps I've ever used,' and went on to add: "It's the best culmination of evidence based strategies (fasting, Mediterranean diet, mindfulness, etc) plus the power of AI, which is like having a personal health coach or therapist in your pocket. Also, I love that tracking is so easy and more focused on the quality of food choices vs cumbersome portion size and nutrition tracking like programs of the past." The Simple app can be downloaded on both Android and iOS devices, and is currently offering a 60% discount with the use of the code REACH60 at checkout.
North Wales Live
25-04-2025
- Health
- North Wales Live
Woman lost 13.5 stone with no calorie counting after 'delaying not denying' food
A Scottish woman who lost over half her body weight has credited small, simple changes for a massive transformation in her life. Karen Haffernan, who lives just outside Glasgow, decided to take action after what she described as 'a bit of a health scare and a bit of a difficult conversation with a surgeon.' Rather than counting calories, she turned to a fitness app to help her make a series of small, incremental changes. Over around 18 months these changes helped her shed 13 and a half stone, which worked out at more than half of her starting weight of 26 and a half stone. She says she's now physically and mentally the fittest and strongest she's ever been, adding: "I can't believe it's actually been so simple. I've not felt deprived along the way, my motto just now is 'delay don't deny.' You can have the treats, you have the yin and the yang, you build things up. This isn't through surgery, it's not through medication or any of that, some vitamins along the way, yes, but good food, good exercise, good sleep and motivation to keep you going along the way." Having lost so much weight has made a huge difference in Karen's life, giving her more energy and making her more active, but she says it's often the small things that have the biggest impact: "It's little things like going out for a meal and not having to worry about where you're sitting or going on an aeroplane and not worrying, if you're in the middle seat, about encroaching on anyone else." Fitness and wellbeing apps have seen a surge in popularity in recent years, particularly during the pandemic as people sought to maintain their fitness during lockdown. From meal tracking apps like MyFitnessPal and LoseIt to digital workout programmes like Hevy, there are now lots of options that to keep close by in a pocket or handbag, reports the Mirror. The Simple app combines various elements from many of these apps into one, offering fitness options that range from strength training and cardio to chair yoga, along with a variety of other high-tech tools. It features NutriScanner, which can track the nutritional value of meals simply by using a photo, and an intermittent fasting tracker for those wanting to switch calorie counting for the popular method, also used in Michael Mosley's 16:8 plan that aims to boost metabolism by adjusting meal timings. Additionally, Simple includes an AI-powered assistant, Avo, which can provide advice and answer questions throughout the journey. Currently, the Simple app is offering a 60% discount for all new signups when users use the code REACH60 at checkout. After sign up, individuals will be asked to complete an online questionnaire about their diet and exercise goals and preferences. This information is then used to create a fully customised plan based on the individual's needs and schedule. Karen shared her experience: "I started small, I found the intermittent fasting lifestyle, did a lot of research and I gradually built things up. Simple was a great way to track the fasts that I was doing and gives you tips along the way. I also introduced Avo, which was great in giving you some tips for health and nutrition and making recipes." She had one top tip for anyone starting out: "Just keep going. Guilt? Get it out the window. There's always the next day where you can start again and get on the journey. "Exercise is really important. Now I do core stability, I'm doing pilates and you can't stop me from walking. I take the family on little walks after a meal." Karen is among more than 17 million users worldwide who have turned to the Simple app for help with their healtth and fitness. Simple has provided compensation to Karen for her genuine testimonial. Obviously, results may vary and consultation with a healthcare professional is always advised before making any major lifestyle changes. The Simple Life App boasts an impressive average rating of 4.2 out of 5 on Trustpilot, with over 28,000 reviews. A recent five-star review expressed high satisfaction, said: "Love this app. It's teaching me how to make eating healthy and being active a lifestyle that I can continue on my own. "Love the workouts that I can adjust from low to high depending on my time and energy. Logging food and water is easy, as well as using their AI to get recipes from a list that I have in my pantry and fridge to scanning menus at restaurants to help me choose the best option." Another user said they valued the app for the motivation it offered, adding: "The coach is helpful. Also, when I fall off track the coach doesn't make me feel like I failed the day. It is very encouraging and helps keep me motivated and focused." Not all feedback was glowing, however, with a three-star reviewer pointing out a downside: "I feel tied to my phone. It's not good for me." Yet, for another individual, the app's convenience was a highlight, with them describing it as 'one of the best weight loss and lifestyle apps I've ever used,' adding: "It's the best culmination of evidence based strategies (fasting, Mediterranean diet, mindfulness, etc) plus the power of AI, which is like having a personal health coach or therapist in your pocket. Also, I love that tracking is so easy and more focused on the quality of food choices vs cumbersome portion size and nutrition tracking like programs of the past." The Simple app, which is available on both Android and iOS platforms, is currently offering a 60% discount. Customers can claim this by using the code REACH60 at checkout.
Daily Mirror
24-04-2025
- Health
- Daily Mirror
Woman lost more than 13 stone after deciding to 'delay not deny' food
Karen Haffernan lost more than half her body weight making a simple change and says she's the fittest and strongest she's ever been A Scottish woman who lost more than half her body weight has praised small, simple changes that added up to a huge transformation in her life. Karen Haffernan, who lives just outside of Glasgow, took action after she had what she described as 'a bit of a health scare and a bit of a difficult conversation with a surgeon.' Instead of calorie counting she turned to a fitness app to help her make a series of small, incremental changes and, over a period of around 18 months, she lost 13 and a half stone, which works out at more than half her body weight having started at 26 and a half stone. She says physically and mentally she's the fittest and strongest she's ever been, adding: "I can't believe it's actually been so simple. I've not felt deprived along the way, my motto just now is 'delay don't deny.' You can have the treats, you have the yin and the yang, you build things up. This isn't through surgery, it's not through medication or any of that, some vitamins along the way, yes, but good food, good exercise, good sleep and motivation to keep you going along the way. She explained how her health transformation had changed her life, giving her more energy as well as a host of other benefits, adding: "It's little things like going out for a meal and not having to worry about where you're sitting or going on an aeroplane and not worrying, if you're in the middle seat, about encroaching on anyone else. Fitness and wellbeing apps have soared in popularity in recent years, with a particular boom around the time of the pandemic as people tried to stay fit during lockdown. Ranging from meal tracking apps like MyFitnessPal and LoseIt through to digital workout programmes like Hevy, there are now lots of options to help people keep a tool to help reach their fitness goals close by in a pocket or handbag. The Simple app incorporates different elements from many of these apps into one, with fitness options ranging from strength training and cardio through to chair yoga, alongside a host of other high-tech tools. There's NutriScanner, which can track the nutritional value of meals simply by using a photo and an intermittent fasting tracker for anyone wanting to swap calories counting for the popular method, which is also used in Michael Mosley's 16:8 plan that aims to boost metabolism by adjusting the timing of meals. There is also an AI-powered assistant, Avo, which can provide advice and answer questions throughout the journey. The Simple app is currently 60% off for all new signups when users use the code REACH60 at checkout. When people sign up they will be asked to fill in an online questionnaire and their goals and preferences around diet and exercise. This is used to build a fully tailored plan based on an individual's needs and schedule. Karen explained: "I started small, I found the intermittent fasting lifestyle, did a lot of research and I gradually built things up. Simple was a great way to track the fasts that I was doing and gives you tips along the way. I also introduced Avo, which was great in giving you some tips for health and nutrition and making recipes. "One of my first tips is to just keep going. Guilt? Get it out the window. There's always the next day where you can start again and get on the journey. Exercise is really important. Now I do core stability, I'm doing pilates and you can't stop me from walking. I take the family on little walks after a meal." Karen is one of more than 17 million users worldwide who have downloaded the app to help improve fitness levels. She has been compensated by Simple for her honest testimonial. Results on the app may vary and people should undertake medical advice before making major changes to their lifestyle. The Simple Life App has an average rating of 4.2 out of 5 on Trustpilot based on more than 28,000 reviews. One recent five star reviewer said they 'couldn't say enough good things about this app,' adding: "Love this app. It's teaching me how to make eating healthy and being active a lifestyle that I can continue on my own. Love the workouts that I can adjust from low to high depending on my time and energy. Logging food and water is easy, as well as using their AI to get recipes from a list that I have in my pantry and fridge to scanning menus at restaurants to help me choose the best option." A second reviewer praised Avo for helping keep her motivated, adding: "The coach is helpful. Also, when I fall off track the coach doesn't make me feel like I failed the day. It is very encouraging and helps keep me motivated and focused." The app isn't for everyone, though. One three-star reviewer commented: "I feel tied to my phone. It's not good for me." However, that portability was a plus point for another user, who described it as 'one of the best weight loss and lifestyle apps I've ever used, adding: "It's the best culmination of evidence based strategies (fasting, Mediterranean diet, mindfulness, etc) plus the power of AI, which is like having a personal health coach or therapist in your pocket. Also, I love that tracking is so easy and more focused on the quality of food choices vs cumbersome portion size and nutrition tracking like programs of the past. The Simple app is available on Android and iOS and is currently 60% off using the code REACH60 at checkout.
