VR exercise? What is it?
Do you need a new way of exercising? Why not try a VR headset and a game? Yes, it seems that VR fitness is getting more popular every day. The technology has been around for years, but using a VR system for fitness is only just becoming a popular trend. And frankly, it makes a lot of sense why. From being able to exercise in the privacy of your own home (or an environment of your choice) to having fun at fitness. There are many reasons VR exercises are a viable option. You are the controller and you are in control.
But if you want to get into the trend, this is all the information you need to know. The why, the how, the how and more.
Why does it work
First, why does it work? Well, as mentioned earlier, there are some specific reasons. It’s accessible, it’s easy, it’s fun, and the choice is yours. But let’s break it down a little more.
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1. Choice of options
First and foremost, VR fitness doesn’t have to feel like fitness. Now of course you can find a game or program that is designed for the VR experience and that is a legitimate workout too. If you want a fully conscious VR fitness program, this is what you can find. No problem. The thing is, you can still exercise without having to exercise (if you understand us).
But that’s not all, the thing about using a VR system is that you can do these traditional fitness programs … or you could do something else. There are many games in VR systems. These games may not be aimed at movement, but the effort you put into these games counts in the VR fitness world too. They’ll get you on your feet. And mostly they get you moving and exercising more than you think.
2. Make exercise a game
But why does VR fitness work when it’s not always about fitness? Because it’s fun and this fun makes training easier. In fact, scientists have even found this to be true. Research found that taking part in the recreational activity went to the VR experience, we focus on recreation. This then lowers our inherent blocks and worries about training. Because of this, we end up putting more strain on ourselves than if we were aware that we are training and being physically active. It’s always about perspective and the way you think about the activity.
“We assume that VR technology induces a higher perceptual load compared to music and control conditions, which prevent exercise-related interoceptive signals from reaching focal consciousness,” says a study by Brunel University in the British Journal of Health Psychology.
In addition, VR systems make training competitive. Remember to play video games as a kid. If you’ve ever played a great competitive game like Halo, Mario Party, Super Smash Bros., or Mortal Kombat, you will know how hype a video game can be. Put on a headset now and relive the competitiveness of childhood. Only now you put your whole body into it. See how you can work up a sweat in the end? And strangely enough, you’ll love every second of it.
3. Can be a family activity
In this context, you can also turn the VR fitness experience into a family or friends experience. Take turns trying to get the best score. Actually compete against each other to encourage a tougher game and inadvertently encourage a harder workout. Or, you can be aware of the exercise options and use the system to help your family or friends stay fit. Imagine your grandmother, child, siblings, best friend and more having fun while staying healthy. Isn’t that picture great?
4. Privacy
After all, the ease of exercising in an environment that you choose and are in control of is great. You can stay inside and still get a good workout. You also don’t have to worry about comparing yourself to others like you would in the gym. Comparing a high score is nowhere near as damaging to your mental health as comparing weight sizes, muscle tension, or the like. It’s a blessing to train with a VR system.
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Types of VR headsets
Considering where do you get a VR system? And how much will it cost you? Well luckily there are many options. Well, we are not going to lie to you and say you can get a VR system for free. To be fair, the standard headset will cost you a few hundred dollars. While there are some cheap options out there, you’ll want to stick with the average range of $ 400 or more. Anything cheaper may not be worth buying. However, sales may occur from time to time.
But what are the options? Well, you could get the Oculus headset ($ 400, amazon.com). But that’s not all. Next, you could take a look at the HTC Vive ($ 799, amazon.com). Or maybe the Sony Playstation VR ($ 600 for a bundle, amazon.com) is more your speed. These games are all of the standard options currently available in the VR systems world.
Types of VR games
The thing is, that’s not the end of it. You still need to buy games. And games aren’t cheap these days. You can buy a VR game for anywhere from $ 30 to $ 60. But here too, sales are your friend.
Some good games to consider include:
- FitXR. This is one of those fitness focused games. It offers boxing and dance programs for beginners and advanced. Of course, you can choose your level of experience. You can get a variety of training intensities, dynamic training times, and trainer feedback.
- To strike a saber. This game is the opposite of FITXR. While FitXR was designed specifically for fitness, Beat Saber is made for fun. But as explained above, it can make you exercise without you even realizing it. This is a rhythm game where you slide sabers to cut through moving objects. The thing is, you have to cross them out in time. Trust us when we say this game is addicting and induces adrenaline. Your heart rate will end up being RACING.
- Savings. Would you like to play virtual dodgeball? Well now you can with this game. In this game, two balls are always thrown, blocked or tied. You can imagine how this will make you move and become active. And again, it’s all for fun, and not necessarily fitness. Still, you get the best of both worlds.
VR fitness
VR fitness is a new option for anyone who wants to have fun and stay healthy. But the question is, is it the right option for you?
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