How do I get an ExerciseDB API key?

Sign up on [**RapidAPI**](https://rapidapi.com/justin-w-fns/api/exercisedb) and subscribe to the ExerciseDB API. Free tier includes 10 requests/day. Paid plans offer more requests.

What body parts are available?

The database includes: back, chest, shoulders, upper arms, lower arms, upper legs, lower legs, neck, waist and cardio. Use get_body_part_list to see the complete list.

Does the API include exercise instructions?

Yes! Each exercise includes step-by-step instructions (numbered list) and an animated GIF URL showing the proper form and movement.

ExerciseDB MCP Server for Cursor 9 tools — connect in under 2 minutes

Name: ExerciseDB
Availability: InStock
Author: Vinkius

docs.cursor.com/context/model-context-protocol

Built by Vinkius GDPR 9 Tools IDE

Cursor is an AI-first code editor built on VS Code that integrates LLM-powered coding assistance directly into the development workflow. Its Agent mode enables autonomous multi-step coding tasks, and MCP support lets agents access external data sources and APIs during code generation.

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Classic Setup·json

{
  "mcpServers": {
    "exercisedb": {
      "url": "https://edge.vinkius.com/[YOUR_TOKEN_HERE]/mcp"
    }
  }
}

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About ExerciseDB MCP Server

Connect to ExerciseDB and explore a comprehensive exercise database through natural conversation.

Cursor's Agent mode turns ExerciseDB into an in-editor superpower. Ask Cursor to generate code using live data from ExerciseDB and it fetches, processes, and writes. all in a single agentic loop. 9 tools appear alongside file editing and terminal access, creating a unified development environment grounded in real-time information.

What you can do

Exercise Search — Browse 1300+ exercises with detailed instructions and animated GIFs
Filter by Body Part — Find exercises for back, chest, shoulders, legs, arms, waist and more
Filter by Target Muscle — Search exercises targeting specific muscles (abs, biceps, quads, glutes)
Filter by Equipment — Find exercises by equipment type (dumbbell, barbell, body weight, cable)
Search by Name — Find exercises by name (crunches, curls, presses, squats)
Reference Lists — Get complete lists of body parts, target muscles and equipment types

The ExerciseDB MCP Server exposes 9 tools through the Vinkius. Connect it to Cursor in under two minutes — no API keys to rotate, no infrastructure to provision, no vendor lock-in. Your configuration, your data, your control.

How to Connect ExerciseDB to Cursor via MCP

Follow these steps to integrate the ExerciseDB MCP Server with Cursor.

Open MCP Settings

Press Cmd+Shift+P (macOS) or Ctrl+Shift+P (Windows/Linux) → search "MCP Settings"

Add the server config

Paste the JSON configuration above into the mcp.json file that opens

Save the file

Cursor will automatically detect the new MCP server

Start using ExerciseDB

Open Agent mode in chat and ask: "Using ExerciseDB, help me...". 9 tools available

Why Use Cursor with the ExerciseDB MCP Server

Cursor AI Code Editor provides unique advantages when paired with ExerciseDB through the Model Context Protocol.

Agent mode turns Cursor into an autonomous coding assistant that can read files, run commands, and call MCP tools without switching context

Cursor's Composer feature can generate entire files using real-time data fetched through MCP. no copy-pasting from external dashboards

MCP tools appear alongside built-in tools like file reading and terminal access, creating a unified agentic environment

VS Code extension compatibility means your existing workflow, keybindings, and extensions all work alongside MCP tools

ExerciseDB + Cursor Use Cases

Practical scenarios where Cursor combined with the ExerciseDB MCP Server delivers measurable value.

Code generation with live data: ask Cursor to generate a security report module using live DNS and subdomain data fetched through MCP

Automated documentation: have Cursor query your API's tool schemas and generate TypeScript interfaces or OpenAPI specs automatically

Infrastructure-as-code: Cursor can fetch domain configurations and generate corresponding Terraform or CloudFormation templates

Test scaffolding: ask Cursor to pull real API responses via MCP and generate unit test fixtures from actual data

ExerciseDB MCP Tools for Cursor (9)

These 9 tools become available when you connect ExerciseDB to Cursor via MCP:

get_all_exercises

Returns exercise names, body parts, target muscles, equipment needed, GIF URLs and step-by-step instructions. Supports limit and offset parameters for pagination. Get all exercises with pagination

get_body_part_list

Useful for discovering valid body part values to use with get_exercises_by_body_part. Get list of all body parts

get_equipment_list

Useful for discovering valid equipment values to use with get_exercises_by_equipment. Get list of all equipment types

get_exercise_by_id

Returns exercise name, body part, target muscle, equipment, secondary muscles, step-by-step instructions and animated GIF URL. Get a specific exercise by ID

get_exercises_by_body_part

Common body parts include: "back", "chest", "shoulders", "upper arms", "lower arms", "upper legs", "lower legs", "neck", "waist", "cardio". Returns exercise details with target muscles, equipment and instructions. Get exercises by body part

get_exercises_by_equipment

Common equipment includes: "assisted", "band", "barbell", "body weight", "bosu ball", "cable", "dumbbell", "elliptical machine", "ez barbell", "hammer", "kettlebell", "leverage machine", "medicine ball", "olympic barbell", "resistance band", "roller", "rope", "skierg machine", "sled machine", "smith machine", "stability ball", "stationary bike", "stepmill machine", "tire", "trap bar", "upper body ergometer", "weighted", "wheel roller". Returns exercise details with body part, target muscles and instructions. Get exercises by equipment type

get_exercises_by_name

Returns matching exercises with full details including body part, target muscles, equipment, instructions and GIF URLs. Get exercises by name search

get_exercises_by_target

Common targets include: "abductors", "abs", "adductors", "biceps", "calves", "cardiovascular system", "delts", "forearms", "glutes", "hamstrings", "lats", "levator scapulae", "pectorals", "quads", "serratus anterior", "spine", "traps", "triceps", "upper back". Returns exercise details with body part, equipment and instructions. Get exercises by target muscle

get_target_list

Useful for discovering valid target values to use with get_exercises_by_target. Get list of all target muscles

Example Prompts for ExerciseDB in Cursor

Ready-to-use prompts you can give your Cursor agent to start working with ExerciseDB immediately.

"Show me exercises for chest with dumbbells."

"What exercises target the abs?"

"Show me exercises I can do with just body weight."

Troubleshooting ExerciseDB MCP Server with Cursor

Common issues when connecting ExerciseDB to Cursor through the Vinkius, and how to resolve them.

Tools not appearing in Cursor

Ensure you are in Agent mode (not Ask mode). MCP tools only work in Agent mode.

Server shows as disconnected

Check Settings → Features → MCP and verify the server status. Try clicking the refresh button.

ExerciseDB + Cursor FAQ

Common questions about integrating ExerciseDB MCP Server with Cursor.

What is Agent mode and why does it matter for MCP?

Agent mode is Cursor's autonomous execution mode where the AI can perform multi-step tasks: reading files, editing code, running terminal commands, and calling MCP tools. Without Agent mode, Cursor operates in a simpler ask-and-answer mode that doesn't support tool calling. Always ensure you're in Agent mode when working with MCP servers.

Where does Cursor store MCP configuration?

Cursor looks for MCP server configurations in a mcp.json file. You can configure servers at the project level (.cursor/mcp.json in your project root) or globally (~/.cursor/mcp.json). Project-level configs take precedence.

Can Cursor use MCP tools in inline edits?

No. MCP tools are only available in Agent mode through the chat panel. Inline completions and Tab suggestions do not trigger MCP tool calls. This is by design. tool calls require user visibility and approval.

How do I verify MCP tools are loaded?

Open Settings → Features → MCP and look for your server name. A green indicator means the server is connected. You can also check Agent mode's available tools by clicking the tools dropdown in the chat panel.