1. A method for guiding a user through programming steps of an exercise console, the method comprising: providing a substantially fixed away of buttons, each button thereof fixed with respect to the console, and interactive with a user; providing to the user a plurality of input options, each selectable in a pre-determined sequence by operation of one or more of the buttons and effective to program an exercise console thereby; selecting, by the user, at least one input option from the plurality of input options; determining, by the console, which input options are available for selection by the user after selection of the at least one input option in accordance with which buttons then remain available for selection; and automatically indicating, to the user, which buttons and associated input options are next available for selection, by selectively activating indicators on the console, corresponding to the buttons and indicating which buttons then remain available for selection.