method and apparatus for encouraging significant exercise by a user of an exercise machine , by utilizing an interactive game that can be networked . the game controller is integrated into the exercise machine along with one or more sensors that supply interactive game inputs to the controller and also with one or more actuators that provide interactive game feedback output by the controller . for example , the sensors sense one or more of : an exercise rate , force , frequency , and repetition count ; a button click , trigger squeeze , and joystick movement ; a force on a steering wheel , handlebar , and flight stick ; a tilting force ; a key press , touch screen touch , and switch activation ; sound , heat , smell , and moisture . for example , the actuators output from the controller game - related feedback including one or more of : vibration , impact force , movement , heat , cold , moving air , sound , visual effects , changes of exercise resistance and rate , scent and moisture .