update_routine · Hevy MCP: Risk & Policy

WHAT IT DOES

What update_routine does on Hevy

AI agents use update_routine to create or update resources in Hevy — usually the action step of a workflow, after the agent has gathered context. Every call changes real data in your Hevy environment.

WHY IT NEEDS A POLICY

Why update_routine needs a policy

This tool modifies user data (workout routines and their exercise composition) but the changes are reversible through subsequent updates. It does not delete data irreversibly, execute arbitrary code, or involve financial transactions.

From the tool's definition Tool description states 'Update an existing routine. Replaces all exercises.' The verb 'update' and 'replaces' indicate modification of existing data. The action is reversible—routines can be updated again to restore previous exercises.

Attacks that exploit this kind of access

Recommended rule Ready

Verdict

update_routine Rate-limited

update_routine stays usable, but capped — an agent stuck in a loop can't make hundreds of changes a minute. Everything else on the server is denied unless you say otherwise.

View as policy code

policy.json

{
  "version": "1",
  "default": "deny",
  "tools": {
    "update_routine": {
      "limits": [
        {
          "counter": "update_routine_rate",
          "window": "minute",
          "max": 30,
          "scope": "grant"
        }
      ]
    }
  }
}

LIMIT THIS TOOL →

Instant setup, no code required.

PolicyLayer is an MCP gateway: every tool call is checked against your rule before it reaches Hevy, so you can run agents against it safely.

FAQ

Questions about update_routine

What does the update_routine tool do? +

Update an existing routine. Replaces all exercises. It is categorised as a Write tool in the Hevy MCP Server, which means it can create or modify data. Consider rate limits to prevent runaway writes.

How do I enforce a policy on update_routine? +

Register the Hevy MCP server in PolicyLayer and add a rule for update_routine: allow, deny, rate-limit, or require approval. Point your MCP client at the PolicyLayer proxy URL and the rule is enforced on every call, before it reaches Hevy. Nothing to install.

What risk level is update_routine? +

update_routine is a Write tool with medium risk. Write tools should be rate-limited to prevent accidental bulk modifications.

Can I rate-limit update_routine? +

Yes. Add a rate_limit block to the update_routine rule in your PolicyLayer policy. For example, setting max: 10 and window: 60 limits the tool to 10 calls per minute. Rate limits are tracked per agent session and reset automatically.

How do I block update_routine completely? +

Set action: deny in the PolicyLayer policy for update_routine. The AI agent will receive a policy violation error and cannot call the tool. You can also include a reason field to explain why the tool is blocked.

What MCP server provides update_routine? +

update_routine is provided by the Hevy MCP server (srdjancodes/hevy-mcp). PolicyLayer sits as a proxy in front of this server to enforce policies before tool calls reach the server.