This has been requested so many times for many years now, I don’t understand why it hasn’t been built yet? I’m getting so frustrated with being given exercises that I really don’t like and can’t replace that I may stop using the app altogether
Hi @lichelle.wolmarans, as far as I know, this is possible in Ultimate Strength journey. I never did it by now, did you this one already give a try?
Hey @lichelle.wolmarans like @melaLetics we brought this functionality in Ultimate Strength so except few exceptions, there is an alternative bodyweight exercises for weight exercises. Let me know if you could find it, happy to have a short chat to help you
I really appreciate the exercise substitution feature introduced in Ultimate Strength, but I find it limited by the fact that it only includes bodyweight exercises. What I would like is the ability to change exercises with others of a similar level. For example, I would like to be able to swap push press with a barbell shoulder press (which I now finally see included in the single exercises) or a dumbbell bench press with a barbell bench press, and vice versa. In short, I’d like more flexibility to choose exercises based on my preferences and not just simpler ones.
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Hey @GianLuke
Currently, the feature is designed to help athletes when they’re struggling too much with an exercise or can’t perform it at all. The alternative exercises we suggest are intended as substitutes — they target the same muscles or serve the same training purpose.
That’s why I’d love to better understand your need beyond personal preference. For example, a dumbbell bench press and a barbell bench press are comparable, since they work the same muscle group in a similar way. On the other hand, switching a push press for a shoulder press changes both the focus and the primary muscles involved.
Our goal is to provide flexibility, but always with enough guidance to make sure the workout stays aligned with the goals and intended progress.
Let me know if I’m missing your point, happy to chat
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Hi Idil,
Thank you for your response and for offering to understand my needs better. I appreciate the current substitution feature, but my main goal is to achieve greater flexibility and specificity in the Coach’s programming to align it better with my strength training objectives and available equipment.
1. Need for Broader Substitution Options (Equivalent Alternatives)
I would like to see a broader range of substitution alternatives beyond just “easier” exercises. I’m looking for options that allow substitution based on equipment availability or personal exercise preference, provided the movements are equivalent or share the same primary muscle focus.
For example, when the Coach suggests a heavy exercise, I would like to be presented with equivalent alternatives, such as:
Barbell Bench Press, Dumbbell Bench Press, or Parallel Bar Dips (all targeting the chest/push pattern).
This same logic could allow me to substitute Push Press with Military Press (or Strict Press). Both are exercises primarily focused on the deltoids, even though one utilizes leg drive. This flexibility would allow me to maintain the intended focus of the training day while using my preferred equipment or movement variation.
2. Request for a “Core” of Foundational Exercises
For my specific goals, I would like to structure my training around a “Core” set of foundational strength exercises to perform with consistency, allowing me to master them and get progressively stronger.
This “core” would be supplemented by accessory exercises (the circuits) to ensure other muscle groups and movements are not neglected.
I currently enjoy the Ultimate Strength approach for its combination of a heavy exercise plus circuits, but I find there is too much variety in the main lift selection.
I would love a feature, similar to how the technical advancement feature works, that allows me to specify my preferred fundamental exercises (e.g., Pull-ups, Military Press, Bench Press, Deadlift, and Front Squat). This would ensure that at least one of these specific lifts is regularly included in my sessions.
Thank you again for your patience and for considering this feedback. I believe this kind of control would greatly enhance the experience for strength-focused athletes.
Best,
Gian Luca
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