Sometimes the equipment you need isn't available, the gym is crowded, or you need an alternative movement. CoachRx gives you the ability to swap exercises directly from your mobile app while maintaining the training intent of your program. The app intelligently suggests alternatives that match the same movement pattern.
Note: This feature must be enabled by your coach. If you don't see the option to swap exercises, reach out to your coach to confirm if it's available to you.
How to Swap an Exercise
Step 1: Open the CoachRx Mobile App
After logging in, navigate to your Home screen where your daily workout is displayed.
Step 2: Open Your Workout
Tap on the workout containing the exercise you need to swap.
Step 3: Select the Exercise to Swap
Find the specific exercise you want to replace and tap on it to open the exercise details.
Step 4: Tap the "Swap" Button
You'll see a "Swap" option in the exercise details. Tap it to begin the swap process.
Step 5: Choose a Replacement Exercise
A list of alternative exercises will appear:
Pattern-matched exercises show first - These match the same movement pattern (squat, hinge, push, pull, etc.)
Toggle "View All Exercises" if you need to see more options beyond pattern matches
Scroll through the list and find an appropriate replacement
Step 6: Select Your New Exercise
Tap the exercise you want to use as a replacement.
Step 7: Confirm the Swap
Review the new exercise and tap "Confirm" or "Swap Exercise". The original exercise is replaced, and all prescription details (reps, sets, tempo, rest) automatically transfer to the new exercise.
When to Use Exercise Swapping
Appropriate Reasons to Swap
Equipment unavailable - The machine or equipment you need is being used
Crowded gym - Multiple pieces of equipment occupied during busy times
Travel or different location - Training away from your usual gym with different equipment
Mild discomfort - Movement causes minor discomfort and you need a variation
Equipment limitations - Your gym doesn't have the prescribed equipment
Important Guidelines
Stick to pattern-matched suggestions when possible - These preserve your coach's training intent
Don't swap to avoid difficulty - Choose alternatives of similar challenge level
Communicate patterns with your coach - Discuss frequent swaps during check-ins
Maintain program integrity - Swapping should help you complete training, not change it
Understanding Pattern-Matched Exercises
What Does "Pattern-Matched" Mean?
CoachRx groups exercises by movement patterns:
Squat Pattern - Goblet squat, back squat, front squat, box squat
Hinge Pattern - Deadlift, Romanian deadlift, kettlebell swing
Push Pattern - Bench press, push-ups, overhead press
Pull Pattern - Pull-ups, rows, lat pulldowns
Lunge Pattern - Forward lunge, reverse lunge, split squat
Core Pattern - Planks, anti-rotation exercises, carries
Why Pattern Matters
When you swap within the same pattern, you maintain:
Training stimulus and intent
Movement quality focus
Progressive overload continuity
Your coach's programming goals
Best Practices
Communication with Your Coach
Coach sees all swaps automatically - Changes log immediately
Discuss frequent swapping patterns during consultations
Explain equipment limitations at your gym
Ask questions if unsure about appropriate swaps
Making Smart Swaps
Choose pattern-matched options first whenever possible
Match difficulty level - don't swap hard exercises for easier ones
Consider equipment similarities - barbell to barbell, dumbbell to dumbbell when possible
Maintain training challenge - alternatives should be equally demanding
When Not to Swap
Don't swap to avoid exercises you find difficult
Don't swap to make workouts easier
Don't swap exercises you simply dislike without good reason
Don't swap if you can wait a few minutes for equipment to become available
FAQ
Q: Can I swap exercises multiple times?
A: Yes! You can swap an exercise, then swap it again if needed. However, frequent swapping may indicate equipment or gym limitations worth discussing with your coach.
Q: Will my coach see what I swapped?
A: Yes. Every swap is logged with the original exercise, replacement exercise, date, and time. Your coach can review all swaps in your calendar.
Q: Do the reps, sets, and tempo stay the same?
A: Yes. All prescription details automatically transfer to the new exercise. You'll perform the same reps, sets, tempo, and rest with the replacement exercise.
Q: Can I swap back to the original exercise?
A: Yes. Follow the same swap process and select the original exercise from the list to swap back.
Q: What if I don't see good alternatives in the pattern-matched list?
A: Toggle "View All Exercises" to see your complete exercise library. However, try to choose exercises that match the original movement pattern when possible.
Q: Can I swap mixed modal pieces too?
A: Yes. If your coach has enabled swapping, you can swap both individual exercises and mixed modal workout pieces using the same process.
Q: What if I consistently need to swap the same exercise?
A: This may indicate a permanent equipment limitation. Discuss this pattern with your coach so they can adjust your program accordingly.
Q: Can I swap if I just don't like an exercise?
A: Exercise swapping is designed for practical limitations (equipment, space, travel), not personal preferences. Discuss exercise preferences directly with your coach so they can adjust your program appropriately.
Need Help?
If you're having trouble swapping exercises or the option isn't available:
Verify feature is enabled - Check with your coach that Exercise Swapping is turned on for your account
Update your app - Ensure you have the latest version of CoachRx
Contact your coach - They can help with swap appropriateness and technical issues
Reach out to CoachRx Support - For technical problems with the swap function