PRactical Premium includes an MCP server that lets AI assistants read your workout data — personal records, volume trends, training stats, and more. Once connected, you can ask Claude or Cursor things like 'What were my best lifts this month?' or 'Am I training chest enough?'
Step 1 — Generate an API key in PRactical
MCP access requires a PRactical Premium subscription. Open the app, go to Settings, and scroll to the 'MCP Access' section. Tap 'Generate API Key', give the key a name (e.g. 'Claude'), and tap Create. Your 64-character key is shown once — copy it immediately and store it somewhere safe like a password manager. PRactical cannot recover it for you.
Step 2 — Add PRactical as a connector in Claude (Pro or Max)
In Claude, click your profile icon and go to Customize → Connectors. Click the + button, then 'Add custom connector.' Give the connector a name (e.g. 'PRactical') and set the MCP Server URL to: https://practicalworkouts.com/mcp. Click Connect. Claude will open a PRactical authorization page in your browser — paste your API key into the field there and click Connect. Once confirmed, Claude will discover all PRactical tools automatically.
Step 2 (alternative) — Connect Cursor, Windsurf, or VS Code
In Cursor, open Settings and navigate to the MCP section. Add a new server entry with url set to https://practicalworkouts.com/mcp and an Authorization header with value 'Bearer YOUR_KEY_HERE'. Windsurf and VS Code with the MCP extension follow the same format. After saving, all PRactical tools become available to the AI in your editor.
Step 3 — Ask your AI assistant about your training
Once connected, try: 'What are my personal records?' or 'Show me my volume trends for the last 8 weeks' or 'Create a template called Push Day with bench press, overhead press, and tricep pushdowns.' PRactical responds with your real data from the app.
Anyone with your API key can read your workout data. Treat it like a password. If a key is ever compromised, go to Settings → MCP Access in the app and revoke it immediately. You can generate a fresh key at any time.
Frequently asked questions
What data can an AI assistant access?
The AI can read your workout history, personal records, volume trends, training statistics, and your exercise library. It can also create new workout templates. It cannot modify or delete logged workouts or sets.
Do I need Claude Pro or Max for this?
The Custom Connectors feature in Claude requires a Pro or Max plan. The MCP server itself works with any MCP-compatible client, including Cursor and Windsurf, regardless of your Claude plan.
Is MCP access included in all PRactical Premium plans?
Yes. MCP access is available on all three Premium tiers — monthly, yearly, and lifetime. There is no separate add-on required.
I generated a key but forgot to copy it. Can I retrieve it?
No. PRactical stores a hashed version of the key for security reasons, so the raw key cannot be recovered after it is shown. Revoke the old key in Settings → MCP Access and generate a new one.
Claude says it can't connect. What do I check first?
Make sure the server URL is exactly https://practicalworkouts.com/mcp with no trailing slash, and that your API key is pasted into the OAuth Client Secret field in Advanced settings. Also confirm your PRactical Premium subscription is active.