Here's an odd one -- WaterRower, a Rhode Island-based manufacturer of fitness rowing machines, has created a online virtual rowing and racing program, We-Row.com, so that rowers can stay on top of their game during the cold fall and winter months. Users will be able to race other rowers and set their avatar's performance to their own metrics and level of fitness; the idea, it seems, is that they can use the information gleaned from playing head-to-head online to inform their actual training regimens, in conjunction with their home rowing machines.

Kinda a new way to look at "online world with real item tie-in," certainly! The rowing machine actually hooks up to the PC so that rowing fanatics can stroke along against up to five other opponents online. After connecting the WaterRower to a PC, users log in at the site, create a personal profile based on fitness level, weight, height and lifestyle factors, and complete a 2,000 meter row to set a benchmark fitness level. The Web site uses this information to help set personalized workout goals. There's also "online personal training," including customized advice and training programs designed to meet specific goals, such as building strength or increasing stamina and endurance.

We-Row also has all the hot-button community elements of virtual worlds -- users can view each other's profiles to choose opponents for races, and participate in training discussions on a forum. The site's just entered beta -- it also says the software's PC, Mac and Linux compatible-- and there isn't much visible yet, but it could be an interesting idea.

“The colder temperatures of fall and winter mean a lot of people will be bringing their workouts indoors, but not having the shared energy, motivation and support of workout partners can take its toll, even on dedicated exercisers,” said Dominik Kuprecht, director of sales and marketing at WaterRower. “With We-Row.com, WaterRower users get the best of both worlds. They can exercise in the privacy of their own home, but they still can enjoy the benefits that come from working out with others and maintain their racing skills even during the harshest winter months. The excitement of competition makes it an exhilarating way to exercise – whatever the season.”