I started working out with Gemini

I have lost count of how many times I have wasted a gym membership.

I go for the first week or two.
But eventually, I start wondering, "Which machine should I use today?" and
"I don't have an appointment with anyone, so I guess it's fine," and I sink into the sofa.
And once again, the membership turns to dust.

That person is me, and now, I am going to the gym while being yelled at by Gemini.

Surprisingly, it's sticking.

1. The real reason why gym habits don't last

I have signed up for a gym several times in the past.

At first, I'm full of motivation. But after a few weeks, I always hit the same wall.

• Which machine should I use today?

• When should I increase the weight?

• I haven't promised anyone, so I guess it's fine for today...

An environment where no one scolds you was the biggest reason why it didn't last.

Strength training doesn't last on willpower alone. You need a system. I realized that only after wasting another membership.

2. The realization: "Why not just have an AI do it?"

One day, it hit me.

Wouldn't it last if I had a coach to run alongside me?

But personal trainers are expensive. It's also bad to drag a friend into it.
So then—

Why not use AI?

I use Gemini often. For writing, looking things up, and so on. So I thought, if I give Gemini a coach's persona, it might work out well. I thought.

3. How to create a Spartan Gemini coach

The key is custom prompts.

If you just say "teach me how to work out," the AI will just become a search engine. What you need is assigning a persona.

The information I mainly input into Gemini was:

• My weight and goals

• The types of equipment at the gym I go to

• What kind of character the coach should have

Regarding the character, I used a "spartan type that stirs up a sense of crisis" like
Men's Coach George as a reference. It's a persona that doesn't let things slide and properly scolds me.

It asks me like this every time.

"You, what is your weight today?"

I laughed at first. But this works.

4. I actually tried interacting with Coach Gemini

I want you to see the actual interaction.

When I asked about the interval until the next workout, this is how it replied

And on the day I finished with 65kg on the leg press—

Since the day after I read this, I haven't run away.

5. Why the "declaration" continues

When I declare to Gemini, "I'll do it in 3 days," something strange happens.

A feeling of "I have to do it" is born.

Even though I know the other party is an AI, putting it into words and conveying it has a certain binding force. It feels like I've made a promise.

Also, Gemini can maintain context for a relatively long time compared to other AIs
(※This is my personal experience; specifications may change).
So, it remembers my previous weight and records, and sometimes says, "You've increased the weight since last time."
The feeling that someone is watching your history—I think this is the secret to keeping it up.

6. The value of having a companion

When starting and continuing something,the presence of a companion is quite significant.

Coaches, friends, note followers—
the feeling of being watched or supported by someone brings out action.

If generative AI can play that role of a "companion," I think this is a story that could change our lives. Even if you can't afford a high-priced personal trainer or don't have friends to work hard with,
the era where AI can take their place is here.

I'm heading to the gym again today, while being yelled at by Gemini.

What kind of tricks do you use to keep something going? If there is anyone else out there fighting the same battle against being a quitter,please let me know with a "Like."