There is a lot of horrific media out there about VR causing motion sickness and causing zombie-like users to be locked into the virtual world. Every gamer is well aware of this type of test, especially by those who neither understand nor use the technology. So far, even after longer VR sessions, we have not seen anything that would indicate long-term negative effects in VR. In fact, VR improves brain plasticity, motivates us to exceed our physical fitness goals, and has very real effects on our waistlines.
However, VR fitness is inherently physical and there are some basic safety rules that you should follow to make your session comfortable and injury-free.
Warm up and let cool down
The first tip is one that comes with any workout: make sure you stretch before and after your session. This gives your muscles a chance to prepare for training and to calm down for relaxation where they are not being used.
Plan your routine with rotation for light, medium, and heavy applications that test your fitness level. VR doesn’t have to be combined with gym time to see results, but it helps. If that suits you, plan your days off. Don’t do a hardcore full-body workout for 60 minutes on a day when you are supposed to rest. Ask yourself how VR fits into your training. Maybe a game like Superhot will give you some light cardio to make you feel like you’re on your feet, and that’s enough. You might want to replace a day at the gym with time at home at the Vive or Rift. Look for VR games that you test accordingly.
Finally, step yourself and hydrate. We have more than a few tips to help you structure and maximize a workout.
Delete a space
VR proofing is similar to baby proofing, only that you deal with what is at waist level. Here is a quick list to look for in and around your VR room:
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- Sharp corners (like table edges)
- Stumbling blocks
- Look for places where the string can get tangled
Take some time to learn your limits in some of the free apps you can find. It is important to orient yourself within VR before jumping into a higher intensity experience where movement is key.
Movement requires space. Before putting on your headset, do some squats and twirl around to see the unforeseen dangers that may exist around you. One major danger that almost no one thinks about in VR is pets. We spin around and they want to join in without realizing that they can cause serious problems. Make sure that people of all sizes and ages don’t have a place either.
Even so, having a partner is a good thing. We have seen that having a partner gives your workout real benefits and prevents you from hitting walls head first.
Care of your peripherals
Practice basic maintenance for your equipment. Mobile headsets are inexpensive, but those that offer six degrees of freedom generally come at a higher price. Follow these basic maintenance tips:
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- Wipe the lenses with microfiber towels to remove dust
- Alcohol-free bacteria wipes are good for before and after sessions
- Covering lenses is optional, but protectors are available
- Compressed air to blow off dust
- HTC recommends cold water for a thorough clean, but don’t soak your foam pad
Store headsets and controllers in such a way that dust does not accumulate, e.g. B. in a container or under a shelf. Frequent use prevents dust from building up, but if not activated, it can become a problem.
In addition: Tight wrist straps prevent the controller from breaking down.
Other considerations
Motion sickness is less common today than it was two years ago when these headsets first appeared. However, take breaks when you feel bad. Not every title leads to motion sickness. Anecdotally, I have friends who only feel it at Superhot, and my local game center reports a similar phenomenon. It could be color or space related to this game. Superhot requires a lot of exercise and looking around; This may not be the ideal title for first-time VR users.
It is also worth considering some sort of wiring harness system if you want to trip over cables. A link box is available for the Vive that supposedly works with a Rift that would expand your play area a bit using Bluetooth technology. From 2018 there will be further solutions for wireless communication.
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