What is this?
The Workout Builder includes an AI-powered feature called Athli AI that can generate complete workouts based on your text description. Instead of manually adding each exercise and configuring sets and reps, you describe the workout you want in plain language, and the AI creates a fully structured workout with exercises, sets, reps, weights, and sections.
Why is it useful?
Building workouts from scratch takes time, especially when you manage many clients. AI workout generation accelerates the process by handling the initial draft. You describe the workout intent, the AI produces a complete workout, and you review and refine it. This is particularly useful for generating baseline workouts that you can then customise for individual clients, or for quickly creating workouts for common training goals.
Step-by-Step Guide
Generating a Workout with Athli AI
- Open the Workout Builder for the workout you want to create.
- Click the Athli AI tab or button in the builder toolbar.
- A text input area appears where you can describe the workout you want.
- Type a description of the workout. Be as specific as possible (see tips below).
- Click Generate to submit your prompt.
- The AI processes your request and generates a complete workout within the builder.
- Review the generated exercises, sets, reps, weights, and section configurations.
- Edit anything that needs adjustment: swap exercises, change rep ranges, adjust weights, add or remove sections.
- Save the workout when you are satisfied.
[Screenshot: Athli AI tab open in the Workout Builder with a text prompt]
Tips for Better AI Prompts
The quality of the generated workout depends on the specificity of your prompt. Here are tips for getting the best results:
- Include exercise count: "Generate a workout with 6 exercises" is better than "Generate a workout."
- Specify sets and reps: "4 sets of 8-12 reps each" gives the AI clear parameters.
- Name muscle groups: "Upper body push workout focusing on chest and shoulders" targets the output.
- Mention equipment: "Using only dumbbells and a bench" constrains exercise selection.
- State the difficulty level: "Intermediate level" or "Advanced powerlifting" sets the intensity.
- Describe the format: "Include an EMOM finisher" or "Start with heavy compounds, finish with isolation work."
Example Prompts
| Prompt | Expected Output |
|---|---|
| "Full body workout, 8 exercises, 3 sets of 10, intermediate, barbell and dumbbells" | Balanced full body session with compound and isolation lifts |
| "Upper body push day, 6 exercises, 4 sets of 8-12, include a superset" | Chest and shoulder focused workout with a superset grouping |
| "Leg day with a 10-minute EMOM finisher, advanced" | Heavy leg compounds followed by a timed EMOM conditioning block |
| "Quick 30-minute bodyweight workout for a beginner" | Simple bodyweight exercises with manageable volume |
[Screenshot: Generated workout appearing in the Workout Builder after an AI prompt]
Reviewing and Editing the Generated Workout
After the AI generates the workout:
- Check each exercise to ensure it is appropriate for your client's experience level and equipment access.
- Adjust weights based on the client's known strength levels.
- Modify rep ranges or set counts if needed.
- Add exercise notes for specific cueing or instructions.
- Rearrange exercises using drag and drop if the order needs adjustment.
- Add or remove sections as necessary.
Things to Note
- AI-generated workouts are starting points, not finished products. Always review and customise the output for your specific client.
- The AI generates workouts within the Workout Builder context, so all exercises come from the available exercise library.
- More detailed prompts produce more accurate results. Vague prompts lead to generic workouts.
- You can regenerate the workout with a different prompt if the first result does not meet your needs.
- AI generation does not replace your coaching expertise. Use it to save time on the initial structure, then apply your knowledge to refine it.
- The AI considers standard exercise programming principles such as compound before isolation, balanced muscle group targeting, and appropriate volume.
FAQs
Can the AI generate workouts for specific injuries or limitations? You can include constraints in your prompt (e.g., "no overhead pressing due to shoulder injury"), and the AI will attempt to respect them. However, always verify the output is safe and appropriate for the client's condition.
Does the AI remember previous workouts it generated? Each generation is independent. The AI does not have memory of previous sessions. Provide all relevant context in each prompt.
Can I use AI generation for programme planning, not just single workouts? AI generation works at the individual workout level within the Workout Builder. For multi-week programme design, generate each workout separately and arrange them in your programme.
Is there a limit to how many workouts I can generate? Usage limits may apply depending on your subscription plan. Check your account settings for details.