A system and method for measuring and normalizing physical resistance for athletic activities and fitness equipment are disclosed. A particular embodiment includes: measuring a level of physical resistance in an athletic activity; generating sensor data indicative of the measured level of physical resistance; using the sensor data to determine if the measured level of physical resistance will achieve a desired performance level in the athletic activity; and automatically generating control signals to adjust the level of physical resistance if the measured level of physical resistance is unlikely to achieve the desired performance level in the athletic activity.