This month sees the launch of the Webracing multiplayer software from Instyle Fitness, which allows a single PC unit to wirelessly control a room full of equipment, bringing virtual reality to the group exercise studio.

Self-powered indoor bikes - with the user's energy output powering the screen and brakes - will be launched this year. Capable of being linked to each other, a full class will therefore be able race or train together in the virtual world with visuals projected on large screens. Competition is possible within the studio or even across the internet, racing another studio halfway around the world.

Users will feel the resistance levels of going up a hill or slip-streaming behind a competitor, and can talk to the competitors they see live on-screen. Close behind the launch of the Webracer bike, rowing machines - Water Rower, Concept2 and Fluid Rower - will be capable of multi-player race training by the end of 2011.