I have just recently started a new "weekend project" in addition to my master's studies and I am looking for a data-set. I would like to use some Operations Research to design an optimal gym schedule that conforms to a specific set of constraints.
The idea is to create a daily gym schedule that conforms to a set of constraints (e.g. time, target muscles etc) as well as a set of physiological constraints. The physiological constraints are things such as do not exercise muscle-x and muscle-y together or do not do abdominal exercises for two consecutive days etc.
However the problem I face is data, specifically a data-set (or data-sets).
Are there any open-source datasets which list an exercise, as well as all the muscles targeted? Preferably one that lists as much of the physiological data as possible. E.g. which stabilizers are activated, which secondary muscle is also activated, is it an extension or flexion. I am also looking for datasets which could help me with some of the physiological constraints, such as muscle recovery times, which muscles not to exercise together etc?
My goal is to algorithmically capture an OR model which I can provide with input data such as muscle group target and time and the model must output a schedule of exercises which targets all the muscles in that muscle group, is not physiologically harmful and is within the time constraint.
Years ago, I had considered something similar to what you have in mind. For running a marathon optimally, i.e. to complete in the fastest time possible without endangering the runner's health or cause injury, how should a runner run each segment of the race, given some initial static data and dynamically updated data based on the heart rate, running speed, the elapsed time and distance, calories burned, hydration level and estimated remaining energy reserves, etc. However, it probably requires more advanced technology than we currently have. Your project seems like a good business idea as a mobile phone app, i.e. a customized virtual personal trainer that is available 24/7. There are bits and pieces of information on the internet regarding strength training and bodybuilding like this:
https://legionathletics.com/muscle-groups/
But I've not seen any concrete scientific data as you specified in your question. You also have to take into account the amount of weights, repetitions and the number of sets, and their progression over time. And there are differences in terms of the fitness level, weight, height, age, etc. that are important variables to consider.
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