Methods and systems for controlling an exercise apparatus using a USB compatible portable remote device

An exercise system configured to enable a user to perform an exercise program, the exercise system comprising:

• an exercise mechanism comprising a movable element for movement in performance of exercise by the user, the exercise mechanism having one or more operating parameters that control the moveable element;
• a communication system remote from the exercise mechanism, the communication system being capable of storing an exercise program, the program comprising at least one of (i) at least one control signal and (ii) data representative of motivational content;
• and
• a USB-enabled portable system separate from the exercise mechanism and the communication system and adapted for communication with the exercise mechanism and the communication system, the portable system being capable of retrieving the exercise program from the communication system, delivering the exercise program to the user of the exercise mechanism, and tracking at least one measurable parameter of the user as the user performs the exercise program, wherein the USB-enabled portable system comprises:
• (a) one or more storage devices adapted to store one or more audio signals forming the motivational content;
• and
• (b) a control processor configured to deliver the one or more audio signals to the audio delivery device.

A portable system configured to facilitate a user's performance of an exercise program upon an exercise mechanism, the portable system comprising:

• (a) a USB-enabled control device configured to communicate with a remote communication system, the control device configured to receive an exercise program from the remote communication system;
• (b) a USB-enabled delivery device communicating with the control device, the delivery device presenting an audio representation of the exercise program to the user;
• and
• (c) a sensor communicating with the user of the exercise mechanism, the sensor configured to track at least one measurable parameter of the user and to deliver data representative of the at least one measurable parameter to the control device for delivery to remote communication system.

A portable system configured to facilitate a user's performance of an exercise program upon an exercise mechanism, the portable system comprising:

• (a) a USB-enabled control device in communication with a remote communication system, the control device comprising a removable USB-enabled memory configured to store an exercise program receivable from the remote communication system, the exercise program comprising data representative of motivational content and at least one control signal;
• (b) an audio delivery device communicating with the USB-enabled control device, the audio delivery device comprising at least one speaker capable of delivering the motivational content to the user;
• and
• (c) at least one sensor coupled to the user of the exercise mechanism, the at least one sensor capable of tracking at least one measurable parameter of the user as the user performs the exercise program and delivering data representative of the at least one measurable parameter to the USB-enabled control device for delivery to remote communication system.