Providing interaction with broadcasted media content

A system for providing interaction with media content, comprising:

• a memory and processor, the memory comprising program instructions that cause the processor to:
• broadcast media content to a display device, wherein the media content includes a competitor or an actor unaware of an audience viewing the media content;
• while broadcasting media content to the display device, attach a fitness program to the media content that controls at least one operational parameter of an exercise machine based on a physical characteristic of an environment depicted in the media content;
• and
• synchronize the fitness program with the media content.

An exercise machine, comprising:

• a receiver to receive a signal indicating an existence of a downloadable fitness program, the downloadable fitness program being synchronized with media content while the media content is presented in a display device where competitors or actors of the media content do not interact with an audience viewing the media content;
• an input mechanism to receive input to download the downloadable fitness program;
• and
• a processor to execute the downloadable fitness program while the media content is presented in the display device;
• wherein the downloadable fitness program includes an instruction set that changes at least one operational parameter of the exercise machine based on a physical characteristic of an environment depicted in the media content.