People may be working out in one place, but they could actually be exercising with other people around the world.
"David is checking in from France, lane 5 is Andy from Great Britain, 6 Scotland, Bjorn is in Norway, lane 8 is in Denmark," explained personal trainer and high-tech rower Mike Creamer.
Recommended Videos
He points out they aren't game characters. They are real people who are also on rowing machines in gyms in their corner of the world. Using tablets connected to their machines, they can follow along on the action as if they're out on the water, all at once.
"Whether they're in New York or New Zealand, everybody will see exactly where they are, where their boat is, in relation to everyone else, you can see the times on the right hand side and also the distance between the boats," Creamer said.
This is just one example of a growing trend: high-tech gym equipment intended to keep you plugged in and motivated.
"Instead of just rowing on a machine looking into a mirror, looking against a wall, you can actually see yourself rowing on a screen," said Creamer.
And it's not just rowing. There are interactive treadmills and simulator cycles that put you on virtual bike trails or in a race against others.
"It's really motivating and just having a leaderboard, and to see how you track against other people and often you're competing against the same people over and over again , so you can sort of have that as a benchmark," said Jen Votaw, who likes high-tech fitness.
She's able to follow an instructor in a class being livestreamed to a tablet on her bike.
"It's almost like having the very best trainer at your doorstep every moment of the day whenever you want," she added.
Dr. Stephen Yang with Exergamelab.org is an expert in the field of exergaming, where more interactive and digitally advanced workouts are continually being developed.
"We're starting to see more options available to entertain or even preoccupy people as they exercise and I think that might be one of the keys to staying fit and staying active," he said.
Other options on the horizon include a smart yoga pad that can display how to do the downward dog and digitized dumbbells that track your reps.
"It takes your mind off the fact that you're actually exercising," Yang said.
But some experts feel taking your mind off exercising can cause injury if you become too distracted. There's no instructor to correct your form and help you with other things.
"Many people lack the know-how and expertise to make the most efficient use of their workout time and that's where working with a professional trainer has its benefits," said Creamer.
But when used right, Creamer agrees the high-tech gear is a game-changer.
"When you add the interactive technology to it, it's just completely transforms the experience," he said.
As always, consult your doctor before starting any new workout to be sure it's not too strenuous.
Links to products in this story: