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Abstract

The present invention is directed to systems and methods for providing exercise devices with motivational programming. The present invention is particularly well suited to exercise devices that utilize one or more motors and/or other electrically driven actuators to control one or more operating parameters of the exercise device. The present invention contemplates the use of programming that includes motivational content and one or more control signals, synchronized with the motivational content, for controlling operation of the exercise device. The motivational content preferably includes audio and/or video designed to simulate a group exercise setting. In addition, the motivational content can include instructional and educational content for the benefit of the user. The programming can be live or prerecorded and can be broadcast over available broadcast channels, cable, satellite, the internet or anything suitable for transmitting audio and/or video signals. Alternatively, the programming can be prerecorded and stored on a storage medium, such as audio cassette tapes, compact discs, mini-discs, videotapes, laser discs, digital video discs, computer diskettes or any other storage medium suitable for the storage and reproduction of audio and/or video signals. The present invention also includes reproducing the programming, including the motivational content along with the synchronized control signals. Finally, the present invention includes decoding the control signals and for controlling the operation of the exercise device in synchronization with the motivational content.

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First Claim