Abstract: An exercise system is comprised of an exercise machine, an external source of input signals, a control console and a display. The control console is associated with the exercise machine having an adjustment structure for a moveable member such as an endless belt on a powered treadmill or the pedals of an exercise cycle. Adjustment structures are connected to regulate the speed of the movable member as well as the resistance to movement. The control console has programs selectable and alterable from the external source at a remote location. A program supplies a variable input over selected time segments to regulate and control the adjustment structure such as the motor controller of the treadmill or a resistance strap associated with an inertia wheel of the exercise cycle.

Abstract: A control console for exercise machines such as treadmills having a microprocessor to generate signals to control the exercise. The console is operable to control an exercise program comprising a series of time segments for which the difficulty levels are individually specified, and to provide a display of the program time segments. The console is further operable to display and store user-designed programs of the type described. Optionally, the console is operable to control two difficulty parameters of an exercise machine. The console may also include preset programs selectable by a user. The preset programs may include a fitness test comprising a series of exercise time segments of increasing difficulty, in which a user's fitness level is based on the user's inability to continue exercising beyond a particular time segment.

Abstract: A control console is associated with a video input device and an exercise machine that has a movable member such as an endless belt on a powered treadmill or the pedals of an exercise cycle. Adjustment structures receiving signals from a videotape are associated to regulate the speed of the belt of the treadmill and the resistance to the movement of the pedals of the exercise cycle, respectively. The control console receives variable input in selected time segments from the audio track of the videotape to regulate and control the adjustment structure such as the motor controller of the treadmill or a resistance strap associated with the inertia wheel of the exercise cycle. Input is received from the audio channel of the video tape to select, modify or create exercise programs in the control console for operation of the related exercise machine. Video scenes from the video tape are displayed on a television.