Abstract: Techniques for configuring an exercise machine to operate according to a predefined workout regimen are described. The exercise machine includes exercise apparatus portion that is controlled and configured at least in part by a computing system portion. The computing system receives an operator selection of a selected predefined workout regimen, and operator data including at least operator gender, operator height and operator age and the computing system retrieves parameter data to configure an exercise instruction that is part of the selected workout regimen. The parameter data is retrieved from a database that stores at least range of motion data and maximum weight data searchable by a cohort, e.g., gender/height cohorts or gender/age cohorts and converts the retrieved parameter data into settings data to configure corresponding portions of the exercise apparatus according to the configured exercise instruction.