Methods and systems for controlling an exercise apparatus using a portable data storage device

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

• an exercise mechanism comprising a moveable element for movement in performance of exercise by a user, the exercise mechanism having one or more operating parameters that control the moveable element;
• and
• a data port operatively connected to said exercise mechanism, said data port being adapted to receive and communicate with a portable memory card having any of a plurality of formats, and wherein said data port facilitates control of said exercise mechanism by an exercise program stored on said portable memory card by facilitating communication between said portable memory card and said exercise mechanism, wherein said exercise program comprises:
• a plurality of program segments, each of said plurality of program segments defining one or more operating parameters for controlling the moveable element during said exercise program;
• and
• one or more motivational content tags corresponding to one or more motivational content files, said one or more motivational content files being stored independent of said plurality of program segments, and one or more motivational content tags being provided in predetermined intervals within said exercise program.

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

• a movable element for movement in performance of exercise by a user;
• and
• a control panel operatively connected to said movable element, said control panel comprising a data port configured to receive a memory card following any of a plurality of industry standard protocols, said memory card being adapted to store one or more exercise programs, said one or more exercise programs comprising:
• a plurality of program segments, each of said plurality of program segments defining one or more operating parameters for controlling said moveable element of said exercise device;
• and
• one or more motivational content tags corresponding to one or more motivational content files, said one or more motivational content files being accessible by said exercise device and stored independent of said plurality of program segments.

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

• a movable element for movement in performance of exercise by a user;
• and
• a console operatively connected to said movable element, said console comprising a data port configured to receive at least one portable memory card having at least one control signal to control movement of the movable element and one or more motivational content tags corresponding to one or more motivational content files, wherein said one or more motivational content files:
• (i) include motivational content presentable to the user in performance of exercise
• (ii) are accessible by said exercise device;
• and
• (iii) are stored independent of said at least one control signal.