Whether you're training at a gym or at home, HHF Home + Gym plans have you covered. You'll see gym exercises by default, with home-friendly alternates available when you need them.
What Are Alternate Exercises?
An alternate exercise is a built-in swap option for a programmed movement. Alternates are available when the default exercise uses equipment that's generally only found in a commercial gym.
You'll use alternates when:
You're training at home with limited equipment
A machine isn't available at the gym
You need a different option for comfort or space
Good to know: When you're just viewing your workout (and not logging it), you'll always see the default exercise list. Alternate exercises appear once you start logging the workout (mobile) or when you enable alternates (web).
How to Use Alternate Exercises in the HHF Mobile App
Prefer to watch?
1) Start the workout
Open the HHF App
Go to Your Plan / Program
Tap Start Workout (or Log Workout)
2) Find the alternate exercise option
For each exercise in the workout, look for a dropdown menu labelled View Alternate Exercise under the exercise name and description.
3) Switch to a home-friendly option
Tap the down arrow to see the alternate exercise option(s)
Press the swap icon next to the alternate exercise (looks like two arrows inside a grey circle) — this will swap out the default exercise for the alternate
4) Log as normal
Once selected, log your sets, reps, and weights as usual for the alternate.
Pro tip: Traveling or working out somewhere new? You can switch to home alternates for individual exercises. You don't have to change your entire workout.
How to Use Alternate Exercises on the HHF Workout Platform (Web / Browser)
Prefer to watch?
1) Open your plan
Log in to the HHF Workout Platform
Open your Plan
Select the workout you want to do
2) Turn on "Show Notes"
On the workout page, find the toggle or option that says Show Notes and turn it ON.
3) View and choose alternates
Once toggled on, you'll be able to:
Preview the alternate exercise(s) for each movement
Select the option that matches your equipment or preference
Tip: This is the easiest way to preview your home options ahead of time, especially if you're planning your week.
Common Questions
Why don't I see home options when I view the program?
This is one of the most common questions, and there's a simple explanation.
HHF plans always show the main (default) exercise when you're previewing a program. If the default exercise uses a gym-based piece of equipment that isn't typically found in a home gym, an alternate exercise (the home option) will appear:
In the mobile app: after you tap Start Workout or Log Workout
On the web platform: when you turn Show Notes to ON
This keeps the program layout clean while still giving you flexibility when it's time to train.
What if I don't have the equipment listed for an alternate?
You've got a few options:
Search the Exercise Library for similar movements targeting the same muscle groups (tap the three bars at the top left and select Exercise)
Use household items — a couch arm or ottoman for a bench, socks on hardwood for sliding movements, or a backpack with books for added weight
Focus on the muscle group — if you can't replicate the exact movement, choose something that works the same muscles
For equipment recommendations, check out the Hailey Happens Fitness Amazon Storefront.
Having Issues?
I don't see any alternates under an exercise
If you've followed the steps to view alternates and one still isn't showing, this is likely because:
The default exercise already uses equipment that's normally found in a home gym
The plan is a Gym Only plan (which doesn't include substitutions)
If you're still having trouble, reach out to us at support@haileyhappensfitness.com or use the chat on our website and we'll help you figure it out.
Learn More
Equipment You'll Need for At-Home Workouts — What you need for at-home workouts
How to Search the Exercise Library — Find substitute movements and explore new exercises