An exemplary exercise system embodiment includes an exercise apparatus
having a level of effort that is adjustable with an actuator. The
exercise apparatus preferably provides a scripted virtual personal
training experience for a user of the exercise apparatus. The exercise
apparatus preferably includes a loudspeaker to provide a vocal
forewarning of an impending change in the level of effort prior to a
change in the level of effort by an automated control of the actuator. An
exemplary method embodiment for creating an exercise experience includes
providing a scripted virtual personal training experience for a user of
an exercise apparatus including a vocal forewarning of an impending
change in a level of effort required of the user and automatically
changing the level of effort after the vocal warning.