Embodiments described herein provide for systems and methods for providing a user with an interactive, feedback-driven exercise program through the use of exercise equipment which provides tactile, visual and auditory feedback through proactive and reactive control, as well as portable electronic devices in communication with the exercise equipment to sense user activity, store user data and feedback for providing automated exercise program modifications, and provide visual and auditory feedback in the form of an interactive visual exercise experience using displays and other device feedback, as well as authenticate the user and user exercise equipment. The systems and methods are configured to create prescriptive exercises based on user profiles, which are then displayed to the user on the portable electronic devices during the execution of the exercise program on the exercise equipment.