Rosie Mullender, recently converted to this new training limit, asks the experts: Can you get good workout by … playing games?
We all know it already: Your alarm clock goes off for your morning run or your fitness session – and everything feels like too much effort.
In that split second, you make the decision that getting out of bed is not worth it, so hit the snooze button and miss another workout.
But what if there was some way to keep yourself fit that would actually get you out of bed?
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Virtual Reality (VR) fitness or “gamercising” is the next frontier in home training. An evolution of Wii Sports that saw more than 82 million people bowling, golf and boxing in two dimensions, VR headsets for the home immerse users in a variety of three-dimensional video games.
Studies suggest that energetic VR apps have the potential to positively influence our physical and mental fitness in a manner comparable to traditional forms of movement – and some experts agree that the future of fitness could lie in our own lounge rooms.
“VR training has the potential to improve cardiovascular fitness, body composition, muscle strength and endurance, and flexibility, depending on the type of exercise,” says Dr. Zan Gao, co-author of one of these studies on the effectiveness of VR training. tells body + soul.
“It can also improve the psychological benefits of physical activity, such as improved mood, and increase the chances of long-term compliance. VR exercises could potentially also help treat mental health issues such as anxiety and depression, especially during the pandemic.
My own journey began after playing a demo round of a VR game in which you cut a pair of lightsabers through glowing blocks in time with the music. I was full of joy, broke a sweat – and was instantly hooked.
Deciding it could be cheaper than an unused gym membership in the long run, I bought an advanced all-in-one VR headset called the Oculus Quest 2 (which retails for around $ 480 for 128GB available) and started exploring the world of VR gamercising.
It’s an ideal place for people who are not motivated by more conventional workouts.
“VR can be a great tool for reluctant exercisers,” says Edwina Griffin, founder of the AtOne meditation and mindfulness virtual reality app.
“The bright flashing lights, music, and constantly moving obstacles mean it feels natural to move quickly, and it’s a great distraction so you can’t focus on your work.
It [also] reduces potential obstacles to training, such as B. Travel, concerns about your appearance, and fitness equipment needs. You can access your training from anywhere and track and measure your results. “
My VR headset also comes with a preinstalled app called Move that allows you to set calorie and exercise goals for the day and estimate your energy consumption based on your personal stats along with headset and controller movements.
So far, most of the games I’ve tried burned around 250 calories an hour – roughly the same as a bike ride – and I’ve bought dance games and boxing apps that I can use to work out in a virtual gym.
There is also a virtual rock climbing wall that makes great arm workout when I add a set of wrist weights.
There are downsides to consider, however.
“Some may experience motion sickness while playing VR exercises,” warns Gao. “Others may feel uncomfortable wearing the headset for long periods of time, and prolonged VR gaming can affect the gamer’s eyesight.”
Griffin adds, “You will likely need to stay in the gym during your workouts to get supervised weight training and muscle strength. You also need to be aware of your technique, as it has no one to check it out. “
But in the three months since I started “playing” I have lost more than 6 kg, my arms and legs are noticeably toned and I am looking forward to the training.
Now that I’ve discovered VR fitness, I’ll be saying goodbye to those morning fitness sessions for good.
Thought (VR) set
Virtual reality can also be used to improve your mental health. Edwina Griffin, founder and director of the AtOne virtual reality meditation app, says there are several ways VR can benefit your mental health.
“There has been extensive research into the benefits of meditation, but many people find it difficult, and it can be difficult to go into the deep space where they feel the benefits. It can also be difficult to find space for meditation at work, school, or sometimes even at home, ”she says.
“One of the exciting things about VR technology is that we can create beautiful worlds … and our subconscious doesn’t know the difference.”
“We can train our minds in a relaxed space and repeat positive experiences in order to build and strengthen positive nerve pathways in the brain. One of the challenges in wellness and health in the past has been collecting meaningful data, but VR apps speed people’s meditation experience through VR’s multi-sensory approach – and they can measure and track mental fitness in categories like focus, concentration. Relaxation and commitment at the same time. “
5 virtual reality fitness games for beginners
- Box VR: Get in shape with this award-winning boxing VR game with duck, jab, web, hook and punch. $ 44.95, store.playstation.com
- Dance headquarters: Get your groove on by learning choreographed dance moves alongside your favorite songs. $ 46.99, oculus.com
- Racket Fury: table tennis VR: Compete against players from all over the world – without leaving your living room. $ 27.30, oculus.com
- Ninja legends: Your childhood ninja dreams come true when you use claws and katanas to defeat your enemies. $ 30.95, store.playstation.com
- To strike a saber: Arm yourself with lightsabers and beat rhythmically through the cubes – also known as beats – as they race towards you. $ 46.99, oculus.com
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