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Many people have wanted to escape their reality when they’re working out. They can do this by going to a gym and using a machine like a bike. But, unfortunately, there are many other sweaty people there.
Some people think that virtual reality is just a game. But it’s really for exercise, too. VR can be used to do exercises and other things like walking on the moon.
“In 2018 VR grew 30% and this is largely due to the popularity of PlayStation VR. (Facebook’s) Oculus Quest, which was released in 2019, is another huge leap forward for VR technology”, Jordan is the Head of Immersive Experience at U.group.
Virtual reality platforms are exciting because you can escape the real world. You can exercise in them too.
“We can track new data points for better insight into performance,” Higgins says. “And combining immersive VR with other wearable sensors like the Apple Watch, you can really start to see a connected ecosystem that will drive the next generation of immersive fitness.”
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We can track new data points to help you get better insight into performance. For example, we can combine VR with other wearable sensors like the Apple Watch. This will help us see an ecosystem of fitness that is connected.
Pros of Using Virtual Reality for Fitness
As with any exercise trend, there are always benefits and drawbacks to jumping on the bandwagon.
The people who want to do this are technology users, gamers, and anyone interested in tracking their performance. For others, it might be a good idea to think about the benefits and drawbacks before doing it.
Breaking Up Monotony
The most dedicated exercisers have no problem going to the gym every day. They do a different exercise and keep trying until they are done. Trainers advise people to try to make exercising fun or find something inside that makes them want to exercise.
People find it hard to do the same workout every day. When they are bored, they will stop exercising. So people who use VR headsets can track their health and exercise, making them more interested in staying healthy.
“Gone is the boredom of doing the same old workout routine in a crowded and smelly gym,” says Mat Chacon, the CEO of VR company Doghead Simulations and a VR-exercise advocate who went from being fat to fit by working out in VR. “People can use VR to transport themselves to any place they want—the moon, the beach, under the ocean, or anywhere else.
People can use VR to see a 3D model of an entire ring and then practice boxing. VR also lets people do yoga in a Japanese zen garden from their home.
Gamification
Exercising in a 3D virtual environment is fun. You can move and play games inside the world. Virtual reality makes exercise fun because you are competing with yourself or other people. This helps keep exercise interesting while distracting you from what you are doing.
As of 2019, the number of games for VR that are designed to exercise is not very high. However, by their very nature, some games require people to move about in the game. These games can help people get fit. For example, Steve Kamb says “Beat Saber” is a good game – it makes you move around, and it’s popular. Think of it as Guitar Hero, but you are playing the drums and dodging blocks. You will get a good workout.
But Beat Saber is not the only game. Creed: Rise to Glory, and First Person Tennis are also popular options. As interest in VR for exercise grows, developers will continue bringing more games to the market.
Avatars That Reduce Real-World Self-Consciousness
When you go to the gym, sometimes you feel self-conscious. It can be because of your body or what you think about it, or because you don’t know how to use the equipment. Sometimes people feel like they are the only ones there. It would help if you did not let these feelings stop you from going to the gym because it is good for your health.
VR is a new way to work out. With it, people have avatars. These avatars can help them feel better about themselves and be more confident. They can also talk to other people in VR and make friends.
Connection With Others
VR games and platforms can connect people all over the world. Not only gamers but others as well. For example, you can interact with coaches in Brazil, meal planners in New York, or yoga instructors in Mumbai. You’ll see each other and be able to interact as though you were there together at the same time. It’s nice to high-five fellow VR workout participants and encourage each other to keep going.
Cons of Virtual Reality and Exercise
Cost of VR Systems
The early versions of VR devices were expensive, and only people with lots of money could buy them. As technology improved, the prices dropped for tethered and untethered systems.
VR systems are expensive. The Oculus Quest ranges from $399 to $499, the pared-down Oculus Go ranges from $199 to $249, PlayStation VR bundles start at $299, and HTC Vive prices start at more than $600. But these are consumer-friendly headsets that don’t offer some of the features that other VR systems include (some use full bodysuits and specialized treadmills). These are not for everyone because they are expensive.
Computing Power
If you want to use computer-based virtual reality systems, make sure your computer’s specs are good. If you want to do it through your home internet connection, make sure you have enough bandwidth for the graphics so that the system runs smoothly.
“You should make sure you have enough horsepower to run the VR software that you like,” says Jeanette DePatie, a certified fitness trainer who has spoken at tradeshows about virtual reality and other technologies.
