Abstract: This invention provides a system which allows users to personally create his or her own individual exercise program using any existing type of exercise machine, such as treadmills, bicycles, stair-climbers, weight lifting and the like. The invention provides a point-based incentive program to encourage the user to stay with an exercise program. Each user is supplied a personal data "key" on which is stored the individual's fitness program and on which is stored the person's progress in reaching or maintaining his or her fitness goal. The system provides a continuing incentive to the user to continue his or her exercise program by awarding points for: (i) time the user is on the machine; (ii) time the person indicates their heart rate is at a level that will allow the person to achieve their fitness goal; and/or (iii) time the person's measured heart rate is at a level that will allow the person to achieve his fitness goal.