What is this?
Alternate exercises are backup options you can assign to any exercise in a workout. If a client cannot perform the primary exercise due to equipment availability, injury, or preference, they can switch to the designated alternate directly in the mobile app. This gives clients flexibility without needing to message you for a substitution.
Why is it useful?
Clients train in different environments. A client who usually trains at a fully equipped gym may occasionally work out at a hotel gym or at home. By providing alternate exercises, you ensure the workout intent is preserved regardless of circumstances. It also reduces back-and-forth communication about substitutions and empowers clients to stay on track independently.
Step-by-Step Guide
Setting an Alternate Exercise
- Open the Workout Builder and locate the exercise you want to add an alternate for.
- Click on the exercise card to expand its options, or click the three-dot menu on the exercise.
- Select Set Alternate Exercise from the menu.
- The exercise picker opens. Search for or browse to the exercise you want as the alternate.
- Select the alternate exercise. It is now linked to the primary exercise.
- The alternate exercise appears below or beside the primary exercise with a visual indicator (e.g., "Alt" label).
[Screenshot: Alternate exercise option in the exercise context menu]
Configuring the Alternate
- After setting the alternate, you can configure its sets, reps, and weight independently from the primary exercise.
- This allows you to adjust the prescription for the alternate (e.g., different rep range for a dumbbell variation versus a barbell variation).
[Screenshot: Primary exercise with an alternate exercise shown below it]
How Clients See Alternates in the Mobile App
- When a client opens the workout in the mobile app, they see the primary exercise by default.
- A swap or alternate icon is visible on exercises that have an alternate assigned.
- The client taps the icon to switch to the alternate exercise.
- The alternate exercise replaces the primary in the workout view, complete with its own sets, reps, and demo video.
- The client can switch back to the primary exercise at any time before or during the workout.
[Screenshot: Client view in mobile app showing the alternate exercise swap icon]
Removing an Alternate Exercise
- Open the exercise options in the Workout Builder.
- Select Remove Alternate from the menu.
- The alternate is unlinked from the primary exercise.
Things to Note
- Each primary exercise can have one alternate exercise assigned.
- Alternate exercises can be any exercise from your library, including custom exercises.
- When a client uses the alternate, their logged data is recorded under the alternate exercise name, so you can see which version they actually performed.
- Alternates do not affect the primary exercise's tracking or programming. They exist purely as a fallback option.
- Consider choosing alternates that target the same muscle groups and movement patterns as the primary exercise for best results.
FAQs
Can I set multiple alternates for one exercise? Currently, each exercise supports one alternate. If you need more options, consider adding a note to the exercise listing additional alternatives.
Does the client have to use the alternate? No. The alternate is optional. Clients can always perform the primary exercise or choose the alternate at their discretion.
Are alternate exercises visible in the workout summary? The primary exercise is shown in the workout summary. The alternate is accessible within the detailed exercise view.
Can I set the same alternate for multiple exercises? Yes. The same exercise can be used as an alternate for different primary exercises across the workout.