VR can be found in every facet of modern life and it’s starting to show up in some of the strangest places. Strange doesn’t mean it doesn’t make any sense, though. In fact, some of these strange new VR markets make total sense and it’s kind of surprising they’re not more mainstream yet. For instance, VR workouts are on the rise and more people are using them every day. They’re perfect for anyone who can’t keep up with a regular gym schedule or people who have to hang up their running shoes in the wintertime.
Virtual reality makes it easy to gamify physical activity, so working out in the VR realm just makes a lot of sense. There are quite a few companies forging the path for new VR development in the health field and it doesn’t take much for you to get into it. All you really need is a silicon cover for your headset to keep you from drowning in your own sweat, a yoga mat to keep you oriented in the real world, and the VR system of your choice. Then you’re free to work out in the comfort of your own home while exploring the virtual universe!
Benefits of VR Workouts
Okay, let’s start out by taking a look at the real benefits of VR workouts. You’re using an innovative technology to boost your physical health, so you may as well get a lot out of it. That’s not even mentioning the financial investment of getting into VR in the first place. If you’re already all in on VR, this is one more use to get out of your rig. If you’re still thinking about buying a headset, here are some health benefits you can get out of it while your bank account recovers.
Gamification of Workouts
One of the primary challenges in maintaining a fitness routine is staying motivated. VR workouts tackle this issue by transforming exercise into an interactive and entertaining experience. Instead of focusing on the physical strain of exercise, users get lost in virtual worlds, completing missions or competing in games. This element of fun keeps users coming back for more. You get points, leaderboards, and rewards that provide immediate gratification and a sense of achievement. On top of that, you’re also getting a variety of workout games to play while you’re staying active and keeping your heart rate up.
Cardiovascular and Mental Health
VR fitness apps often require continuous movement, which can provide an excellent cardiovascular workout. Games like “Supernatural” or “Beat Saber” get your heart rate up, helping to improve endurance and heart health. Many VR workouts also engage multiple muscle groups simultaneously, offering a comprehensive workout through full-body engagement. This leads to the kind of calorie burns that you get from the usual exercises like cycling or running, but you don’t have to go outside to get them. It’s what makes VR workouts a great option over the cold and dark winter months.
Exercise is also known to boost mental health, and VR workouts amplify these benefits. Immersive virtual environments can reduce stress and anxiety by providing an escape from daily life. Virtual landscapes and guided meditations create a serene atmosphere, helping users relax. VR requires your full attention, which can enhance mental clarity and promote mindfulness during exercise. That means you’re working your mind at the same time you’re working your body and that’s something you’re not going to get from a gym. It might not even be something you can get from an outdoor workout if you don’t enjoy the environment around you.
Consistency for All Levels
The novelty of VR workouts helps users stay consistent in their fitness routines. Many people find traditional workouts monotonous, leading to burnout or loss of motivation. VR workouts keep things fresh and exciting. The gamified experience makes users less aware of the effort they’re putting in, so they often work out longer. Many VR apps encourage consistency through daily goals and achievements. It’s going to keep you coming back to the game, rather than being a chore you have to carry out before you can relax for the night and that makes a big difference.
It’s also great for people of any fitness level of physical age. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned athlete, VR workouts can be tailored to suit your needs. Many apps offer different difficulty levels and adjustable intensity to match your fitness goals. VR can ease you into fitness with low-impact activities, making it perfect for beginners or people with physical impairments. High-intensity intervals, advanced choreography, or competitive multiplayer modes challenge even the fittest users on the other end of the spectrum. That means there’s no good reason to not give it a shot. It’s not going to be above or below your level, no matter how hard you try.
Improve Coordination while Forming Habits
The physical movements in VR workouts often involve dodging, lunging, and striking, which improve coordination and balance over time. Many games require quick reactions, sharpening reflexes. Activities like yoga or tai chi in VR help improve posture and core strength. That means you’re going to improve your physicality just by turning on the VR games and running through the routines. You don’t have to be after a ripped body when you get into it. Simply playing along will give you plenty of benefits.
You’re also going to be forming good habits that will stay with you for the rest of your life. That’s a very big part of good health and anyone will tell you that. Most people fall off the workout wagon when getting to the gym becomes too much of a chore and they lose the ability to form the habits that give them the results they’re after. Then you’re gamifying the whole thing with rewards and points, you’re going to make VR workouts a part of your life that will make you healthier and happier, the longer you keep them as part of you.
VR Workout Games
Now that we know all the benefits of VR workouts, we can talk about the different titles that are available to you. There are lot of them that focus on one type of workout and others that give you good, all-around experiences that will engage multiple parts of your body. It all really comes down to the kind of workouts that you want to get into and the platform you have. Here are some of the most popular games to look into and the benefits they can offer you, as long as you keep up with them.
Beat Saber
Beat Saber is a fast-paced rhythm game that combines music and fitness. Players slice through color-coded blocks to the beat, offering a fun, full-body workout. The game excels in its engaging mechanics, a vast library of songs, and the ability to improve coordination, reflexes, and cardiovascular health. Overall, Beat Saber is a great way to make exercise enjoyable, especially for people who love music and gaming.
Pros:
- Highly immersive and addictive gameplay
- Customizable difficulty levels
- Great for cardio and upper-body exercise
Cons:
- Limited song variety without DLC or mods
- Requires ample play space
- Mostly upper-body exercise
FitXR
FitXR is a dynamic VR fitness app offering boxing, dance, and high-intensity interval training (HIIT) workouts. It provides an interactive experience with real-time coaching, helping users stay motivated while burning calories and improving cardiovascular health. The app caters to all fitness levels with customizable difficulty and a variety of classes. It’s a great choice for those seeking variety and social interaction in their VR fitness routine.
Pros:
- Diverse workout styles for full-body training
- Engaging multiplayer mode and social features
- Regularly updated content
Cons:
- Requires a subscription for full access
- Limited customization for avatars
- One of the pricier options
Supernatural
Supernatural is a premium VR fitness app offering guided workouts in stunning virtual landscapes. It combines cardio, strength, and meditation exercises, led by professional trainers. Users engage in rhythm-based activities that improve endurance, coordination, and mental well-being. It’s perfect for anyone seeking an engaging, holistic fitness experience with a focus on both physical and mental health.
Pros:
- Beautiful, immersive environments
- Wide variety of workouts and music tracks
- Excellent coaching and motivational guidance
Cons:
- Requires a subscription after a free trial
- Best experience requires an Oculus headset
- Expensive game with expensive system
BoxVR
BoxVR is a VR boxing game that delivers intense, rhythm-based boxing workouts. It’s designed to improve cardio, endurance, and coordination while keeping users engaged with energetic music and diverse routines. It’s ideal for those seeking a straightforward, effective boxing-inspired fitness routine. Just keep in mind that you’ll want to know the basics of boxing before you spend the money to jump into this one.
Pros:
- Great full-body workout with a focus on upper body and core
- Customizable session lengths and difficulty levels
- Offers workout tracking for progress monitoring
Cons:
- Limited variety in workout styles
- Graphics and visuals feel basic compared to competitors
- Music selection may not appeal to everyone
OhShape
OhShape is another fitness game that combines rhythm and movement, challenging players to match their body to cutouts in walls, dodge obstacles, and hit targets. It offers a fun, full-body workout, enhancing flexibility, coordination, and cardio fitness. This one is perfect for those seeking a fun, dance-like workout that sharpens reflexes and burns calories while gamifying the entire experience.
Pros:
- Unique gameplay that promotes full-body engagement
- Custom song support for a personalized experience
- Encourages agility and quick reflexes
Cons:
- Limited in-game tutorials for beginners
- Requires ample play space for safe movement
- Smaller song library compared to competitors
Drawbacks of VR Workouts
Those are the big gaming options out there, but it’s important to understand there are always drawbacks to new workout routines and VR is no different. The more you know about them, the better equipped you’ll be to counteract them when the time comes to give it all a shot. Remember that the worst thing you can do is nothing at all. Just because a VR workout has a drawback doesn’t mean you should completely pass it over. You can make a few small changes to ensure you’re getting the most out of your time and financial investment.
The first drawback is that you’re not getting any resistance training when you do with VR. Most of the games you can play will give you lots of cardio, but they’re not going to get you lifting weights. Some options, like Supernatural, keep strength training in mind, but there’s only so much they can do for you. That’s why it’s a great idea to keep weight training as part of your routine. FitXR also gets you doing pushups and using chair dips, but if you’re really trying to jack yourself up, you’re going to need to supplement your virtual exercise.
The other drawback comes with form. You can’t see yourself when you’re using a headset and you don’t have a trainer you can rely on. That means your form can be all over the place and that can lead to injury or simply not getting the most out of your workout. One great way around this is recording yourself while you work out. Then you can see how your body is moving and try to improve it the next time. The better you can get your form, the faster you’ll see the results that you’re after and that will keep you invested in your body.
Give VR Workouts a Shot
If working out is something you normally do and you want to try something new, VR is a great option for you. You have the added benefit of already knowing good form, so you don’t have much to worry about. If working your body is a brand new, undiscovered country, VR is your gateway to a world of health that you’ve never experienced before. Best of all, you can do it in the comfort and privacy of your own home. No matter who you are or what your goal happens to be, VR workouts are going to be perfect for you!