We've gathered answers to some of the most common questions about Fitbod’s algorithm.
If you don’t find the answer you’re looking for, no problem! Reach out to our team at support@fitbod.me. We’re happy to help!
Keep reading to learn how Fitbod’s recommendations work and how to make the most of them.
Getting Started
Q: Why am I being assigned exercises for unrecovered muscles?
A: Fitbod balances recovery, workout history, and training split. Sometimes, a muscle group with a low recovery score may still be included if it fits your goals.
💡 Note: Recovery settings apply only to primary muscle groups. Secondary muscle groups are limited to one exercise per workout.
Q: Why aren’t I seeing exercises for my equipment?
A: If you're not seeing exercises for a specific piece of equipment, try these:
Check your Gym Profile settings:
- Tap your Gym Profile at the top left.
- Tap "Available Equipment"and make sure your preferred equipment is enabled.
Make sure related exercises aren't excluded:
- Go to the Log tab.
- Tap Settings (top right) > Workout Settings > Manage Exercises.
- Tap the Filter icon (top right) > Select "Recommend Less" and "Excluded" > Tap Done.
- Look for marked exercises and make sure they're enabled:
- ⬇ Down arrow = Recommended less
- 🚫 Red icon = Excluded
How Fitbod Adjusts Workouts For You
Q: Why are weight recommendations high one week but low the next?
A: Fitbod uses non-linear periodization, which varies your sets, reps, and weights to optimize strength and muscle growth.
- Higher reps, lower weight (hypertrophy)
- Lower reps, higher weight (strength)
- Max effort reps periodically to reassess your strength.
Q: Why are my weight recommendations low or unexpected?
A: There are a few possible reasons:
- New Exercise: If you're new to an exercise, Fitbod uses data from 87 million+ logged workouts to estimate a starting weight.
- Time Off: If you haven't worked out for a while, strength can decrease, lowering recommendations.
- Past Logs: If you logged lighter weights previously, Fitbod factors this into its calculations. Please be sure to double check your logs for that particular exercise.
Q: Will weight recommendations decrease if I take a break?
A: Yes! If you take time off, Fitbod will lower your weight recommendations to match your reduced activity. If they feel too low when you return, you can adjust them manually.
Q: Why am I receiving weight recommendations for bodyweight exercises?
A: Fitbod includes an "Added Weight" field for bodyweight exercises, which is automatically set to 0. If weight is being recommended, it means a weight value was previously logged for this exercise.
How to remove weight recommendations:
- Edit your previously logged workout where this exercise was recorded with weight.
- Set the "Added Weight" field to 0 and save.
- Future recommendations will adjust based on this change.
Want to add weight instead?
You can manually enter a weight in the "Added Weight" field when logging a bodyweight exercise. This is useful if you're using an optional equipment, such as ankle weights, a weighted vest, or even a household object like a book.
Once weight is added, Fitbod will factor it into future recommendations and can gradually increase it over time.
How to Adjust Workouts Yourself
Q: The exercises feel too easy. How can I make them harder?
A: Manually adjust Fitbod’s recommendations to better match how you feel:
- Increase sets, reps, or weight.
- Log max effort reps when prompted. This helps Fitbod adjust future workouts!
Fitbod adapts based on your input, so don’t hesitate to adjust anything!
Q: Why am I getting exercises that feel too advanced?
A: Fitbod suggests exercises based on your fitness experience level and workout history. If an exercise feels too difficult, try these options:
Adjust your Fitness Experience level:
- Go to Gym Profile > Fitness Experience
- Select a different level to give new recommendations a try.
Exclude specific exercises:
- In the Workout tab, tap "..." next to the exercise.
- Select "Don't Recommend Again" to prevent it from appearing in future workouts.
Q: When should I update my Fitness Experience? Will I be notified?
A: Nope! Fitbod won’t send a notification, but you can adjust it anytime in your Gym Profile.
- Beginner, Intermediate, or Advanced changes the variety of exercises Fitbod recommends.
- There’s no penalty for switching, so experiment and find what works best for you.
- If you're new to training, start with Beginner to build confidence before progressing to more advanced movements.