Russell Launches Virtual Workout Partner

ATLANTA - Russell Athletic (NYSE: RML) has launched a new Web site, http://www.forthelongrun.com, which the company says is the first to introduce the Virtual Workout Partner (VWP) program. Designed for everyday athletes aspiring to lead healthy lifestyles, the VWP program helps members find partners with similar fitness goals, abilities and interests.
Through the site's e-mail system, partners can encourage each other as if they were side-by-side at the gym or on the playing field. The site also offers community discussion forums, a gym locator, healthy lifestyle articles written by experts and much more.
To become a VWP, members create a customized profile based on their abilities, fitness goals and favorite activities. The program generates a list of potential partners and users communicate with the partners they want through e-mail.
"The Virtual Workout Partner program is a new and unique way of working out with another person, but online," says Trish Martin, vice president of marketing for Russell Athletic. "There are so many benefits from working out with someone else. Our site is designed to help everyday athletes stay motivated, give support and encouragement and take responsibility for their healthy lifestyle."