What is this?
While Athli includes thousands of built-in exercises, you may need movements that are specific to your coaching style, proprietary methods, or specialized equipment. The custom exercise feature lets you create your own exercises with custom names, muscle targeting, and uploaded video or image demonstrations.
Why is it useful?
- Add exercises that are unique to your training methodology
- Upload your own demonstration videos so clients see exactly how you want the movement performed
- Include specialized exercises for rehab, sport-specific training, or unique equipment
- Custom exercises work everywhere built-in exercises work: workouts, sections, and programs
- Clients see your custom videos in the mobile app during workout sessions
Step-by-Step Guide
Creating a New Custom Exercise
- Go to Library in the sidebar.
- Select the Training tab.
- Click Exercises.
- Click the Add Exercise button.
[Screenshot: exercise library page with the Add Exercise button highlighted]
Filling in Exercise Details
The exercise form includes the following fields:
- Name (required) - Give the exercise a clear, descriptive name (e.g., "Banded Hip Thrust - Pause at Top").
- Target Muscles - Select the primary and secondary muscles worked.
- Equipment - Choose the equipment needed (barbell, dumbbell, bands, machine, bodyweight, etc.).
- Category - Select the category (strength, cardio, flexibility, etc.).
[Screenshot: add exercise form showing name, muscles, equipment, and category fields]
Uploading a Custom Video or Image
- In the exercise form, locate the Media section.
- Click Upload to add a video or image file.
- Supported formats include common video formats (MP4, MOV) and image formats (JPG, PNG).
- The uploaded media will be shown to clients in the mobile app when they tap the exercise during a workout.
[Screenshot: media upload section of the exercise form with an uploaded video thumbnail]
Saving the Exercise
- Review all fields to make sure the information is accurate.
- Click Save.
- The custom exercise now appears in your exercise library alongside built-in exercises.
Duplicating a Built-In Exercise
If you want to create a variation of an existing built-in exercise:
- Find the built-in exercise in the library.
- Select it and click Duplicate.
- The copy opens in edit mode with all the original details pre-filled.
- Modify the name, muscles, equipment, or media as needed.
- Click Save.
This is useful when you want to keep most of the original exercise information but change specific details like the name or add your own video.
[Screenshot: built-in exercise with the Duplicate button highlighted]
Things to Note
- Built-in exercises are read-only. You cannot edit their name, target muscles, equipment, or media. Use the duplicate feature to create an editable copy.
- Custom exercises are visible only to you and your clients. Other coaches on the platform cannot see them.
- Deleting a custom exercise does not remove it from workouts that already use it.
- Custom exercises support the same exercise types as built-in exercises: Weight and Reps, Reps Only, and Distance and Duration.
- There is no limit to how many custom exercises you can create.
FAQs
Can I edit a built-in exercise?
No. Built-in exercises are read-only. To modify one, duplicate it first and then edit the copy.
Do clients see my custom video in the mobile app?
Yes. When a client taps on a custom exercise during a workout, they see the video or image you uploaded.
What video formats are supported?
Common video formats such as MP4 and MOV are supported for upload.
Can I replace the video on a custom exercise later?
Yes. Open the custom exercise, remove the existing media, and upload a new file.
Are custom exercises searchable?
Yes. Custom exercises appear in search results and can be filtered just like built-in exercises.