NOVELTY - The web-based system (100) comprises a sensor (2) that receives data from a piece of exercise equipment and converts the sensor data into an electrical signal. A count recorder (3) periodically accumulates the electrical signals from the sensor. A local computing device (4,6) in communication with the count recorder periodically receives the electrical signals. The sensor data is converted and processed into data sets corresponding to measurable and desired data content. A remote application server (7) communicates with the local computing devices through a web-based application.    USE - Web-based system for monitoring exercise performance, particularly for tracking and providing data from the use of fitness or exercise equipment to a web-based application in near real-time to create a web-based community for users of the equipment.    ADVANTAGE - The local computing device in communication with the count recorder periodically receives the electrical signals, thus allows particular users to identify and invite competitors of a similar caliber to train and race. The system assist in ensuring that users does not overexert themselves beyond a reasonable range or beyond what deemed hazardous or dangerous to health of users, unless they are fit to do so. The users are categorized by skill level in this sense by some form of indicia or status ranking. The gathering of data is decoupled from the reporting of data, thus ensures the accuracy of the gathered data, while minimizing the load on the computing device and network.    DETAILED DESCRIPTION - INDEPENDENT CLAIMS are included for the following:    (1) an exercise for allowing competition among multiple users of exercise equipment units; and    (2) a method for allowing virtual exercise competition among multiple remote users.    DESCRIPTION OF DRAWING(S) - The drawing shows a schematic block diagram of a multi-user system.    Sensor (2)    Count recorder (3)    Local computing device (4,6)    Remote application server (7)    Web-based system (100)