In accordance with a preferred embodiment, there is provided a system and method for assisting a user complete an exercise program. According to a first aspect, there is provided a system that allows a coach to design an exercise program for an individual client and have that program written to portable non-volatile media that is provided to the client. The client then moves from machine to machine during his or her workout program, in each case first inserting the memory card into the selected machine before starting to exercise. The selected machine, if it is one that has been specified in the client's exercise program, will automatically set its performance parameters to match those on the memory card after which the client will be able to immediately start exercising. Optionally, actual performance data from the user's workout will be written back to the memory card for subsequent printing and/or analysis.