Here is How a 67 Yr Outdated Misplaced 12 Kilos in 2 Months with VR!

When it comes to virtual reality, it’s easy to fall into the stereotype that most of its users are acne-laden teenagers who wear VR headsets and engage in childish games. This stereotype is gradually being destroyed day by day. The truth about VR is that it has unlimited potential. It’s used to treat PTSD, as an education tool, and even as a means for older adults (and others) to stay active. We recently had the chance to sit down with 67 year old Reddit user 0ldboy67 who lost 12 pounds on his HTC Vive in just two months! But that’s not all! He has seen significant improvements in his health, wellbeing, and general lifestyle. His story is one of many that are coming out today and we are excited to tell it.

“I didn’t know when I got the Vive that it was going to be a pretty good workout,” said 0ldboy67. “I got it because I like technology, and I’ve been fascinated by VR since the holodeck on Star Trek.” 0ldboy67 wasn’t in terrible shape when he started using VR. He describes his condition prior to VR as “moderate” for his age of 67. In the warmer months, he dares to venture out of the house on his electronic bike to ride over and through the surrounding mountains.

Like many people, 0ldboy67 doesn’t like the idea of ​​exercising any old fashioned way just to be active. He prefers to gain some kind of fulfillment or joy through physical activity. This is exactly why exercising in virtual reality was so appealing. Although Oldboy used to work out at the gym, where he lifted weights, “he doesn’t like exercising just for exercise”.

The VR beginnings of this old boy

The typical 67-year-old would be reluctant to dive headlong into a virtual reality experience. But Oldboy did just that. He started with the popular VR game Audioshield and was immediately impressed by its physics and sophistication: “I remember thinking that this alone justified the cost of the computer and Vive. It was really wonderful to move around with the music in the virtual environment. “

Audioshield is a rhythm game played with the HTC Vive virtual reality headset. The game focuses on musical notes moving towards the player in a colorful setting. The player is asked to stay in time with the musical notes by striking / shielding these notes with his hands. Audioshield is revered for its synthesis of entertainment and physical activity. Click here for our rating.

To fully understand the benefits of virtual reality in the context of physical fitness, it is helpful to provide context for current VR users. In the case of 0ldboy67, he admits that part of his motivation for using VR was to lose weight. It took only two months of VR use for 0ldboy67 to lose a dozen pounds. He attributes some of that weight loss to VR, stating that “five days a week he burned maybe 100 more calories an hour than I would have otherwise. I owe VR for setting an activity tone that compliments and supports my dietary change. “

Oldboys VR training progress

After testing the VR waters with Audioshield, 0ldboy67 ventured into other virtual reality titles. He tried Hot Squat, Eleven, Soundboxing and Racket: NX. He also tried Thrill of the Fight and Holopoint, but decided they were a little too intense for his aging body. According to 0ldboy67, these two titles required “too much effort, uncomfortable challenges in relation to the things to come”. While these are valid reviews from a retiree, they would be viewed as meritorious by most children, adolescents, and young adults.

0ldboy67 credits VR fitness games with improving its flexibility and strength: “The [virtual reality] Playing stretches me as I reach it, strengthens my quads when I bend and squat, and strengthens my arms when I hit. I also think several games have improved my reflexes and eye / hand coordination. He goes on to explain the benefits of VR games that go beyond enhanced physical activity: “A big effect of these games is that they often just feel good – there’s a sense of accomplishment and sometimes joy, with music in the flow get.”

The question of VR user loyalty

Many wonder if VR is a novelty that will be short-lived. Some firmly believe that it is the kind of technology that people try once and never return to. When asked if he wanted to quit, 0ldboy67 stated that he would upgrade his current gear. Today’s virtual reality technology really is that good. Make no mistake, the current VR technology is not the same as Nintendo’s fancy Virtual Boy console.

A VR success story that everyone should take note of

In the end, it can be said that 0ldboy67’s experience with virtual reality fitness games was a complete success. Although he has never considered himself a gamer and has no experience with regular PC or console games, he has decided to stick with VR exercises for the long term: “I plan to keep playing for 30-60 minutes for five or six days a week . I will update my hardware when new software requires it and I am open to changing platforms as new offerings become available. For example, Microsoft will reportedly offer VR and possibly AR in the not too distant future, and I look forward to seeing what games will be available there. “

Although 0ldboy67 has recommended potential VR users to wait for the next generation of VR devices, he firmly believes that the current generation is enough for his purposes. He credits the Reddit Vive community for encouraging him to try his hand at multiplayer VR environments: “In addition to weight loss and increased fitness, I have found stimulating challenges and social connections that I would not have had without the Vive. It brings joy and fun into my life, mainly through the games that combine movement with music. “

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