A system and method for networking fitness machines for allowing a fitness trainer or instructor to control various settings for a plurality of exercise machines simultaneously, and further for allowing an individual user and/or trainer to modify the settings of an individual exercise machine. The system and method for networking fitness machines generally includes a trainer remote control device, one or more machine-mounted onboard trainer controllers, and a machine-mounted onboard user controller. The trainer remote control device may be securely mounted to the arm of a trainer so that the trainer's hands remain free to instruct exercisers. The trainer remote control device includes a touch screen that displays selections corresponding to various settings on the exercise machines, such as tilt and roll, elevation, resistance level, and body positioning light indicia. The trainer remote control communicates with the plurality of exercise machines via a wireless network or Bluetooth connection allowing the trainer to change the settings of a plurality of exercise machines in a class mode simultaneously. The machine-mounted onboard trainer controllers and user controller provide the ability for the trainer or an exerciser to change the settings of an individual machine either during class in a class mode or in a private training mode.