Virtual reality fitness is a thing, and it’s here to stay. For those of us who have wanted to get in shape but haven’t been able to find the motivation, this could be a game changer.
But there are some things that you should know before investing in VR fitness. Here are my top six:
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VR Fitness is a real thing.
There is a lot of talk about VR fitness, and it’s not just hype. It’s a real thing, and there are many different ways to get started with it.
The potential for VR to help you get fit is huge: it’s fun! There are so many different options available that you should have no trouble finding one that fits your style and interests.
Not all VR headsets are created equal.
Not all VR headsets are created equal.
If you’re new to the world of VR fitness, here are some things to consider when shopping for your first headset:
- There are many different options available. Whether you decide on an Oculus Rift, HTC Vive or PlayStation VR, it’s important to understand how each headset differs from others so that you can find one that best suits your needs and budget. Each offers its own set of features and limitations—and if you’re thinking about buying one just because it’s cheaper than the others but don’t need all of those bells and whistles anyway? That’s a good way to throw money away!
- Some are better than others. If we’re talking strictly build quality here, then I’d have to say HTC Vive wins by a long shot—but there’s more than just hardware when it comes down deciding which VR system will suit you best as well (as we’ll discuss in our next section). If nothing else though, always aim high when buying electronics—you’ll be glad later when they last longer than expected!
Standalone Headsets
Standalone headsets are the best option for true immersion in VR fitness, because they don’t require you to use your phone, PC, console or TV.
While this does mean that these devices are more expensive than those that rely on you already having a smartphone or other device around (like the Oculus Go), it means that you won’t have to worry about whether or not your headset works with whatever system you may have at home.
If you’re looking for an easy way to get started with VR fitness though, I would recommend trying out one of the cheaper options first.
The Samsung Gear VR is one of my favorites because it’s affordable and easy-to-use—but if immersive experiences are important to you then definitely invest in something like an Oculus Quest instead!
Your Gaming Set Up
As with any gaming platform, you’ll need a powerful computer or console to have fun. The VR games you play will be more realistic and immersive if your computer or console has enough power to handle them.
A high-end gaming PC is best for playing VR games. The Oculus Rift and HTC Vive require an NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1060 or AMD Radeon RX 480 GPU at minimum, while the PlayStation VR requires an AMD Radeon RX 470/RX 480 Graphics Card.
Xbox One X also has more than enough oomph to handle most VR titles (except for Minecraft).
If you already own one of these consoles, it should be easy to find out whether they can handle the demands of today’s most popular virtual reality games by checking out their system requirements on the manufacturer’s website before buying anything else related to gaming hardware like controllers or motion tracking sensors etcetera so that everything works together seamlessly without any problems whatsoever.
Your phone can be used in a pinch.
If you’re looking to get started with VR fitness, the phone option is a good place to start. It’s important to understand that using your phone for VR fitness will not give you a result as good as using dedicated hardware like the Vive or Oculus Rift. However, there are benefits to it:
- You can use your phone in small spaces like apartments with limited space.
- It’s also great for traveling and working out while watching TV in bed or at home, or if physical activity isn’t an option due to injury or disability.
- You won’t have any issues with cords snagging on things mid-workout (no tripping over wires) because all of your equipment just lives in one little device!
You’ll need some room to move around.
Always check the minimum space requirements for your headset. The most popular headsets like Oculus Quest and Vive Focus have a 360-degree tracking area, meaning you can move around in all directions. Other VR headsets might only allow you to turn or move left and right, so be sure to read reviews or ask questions before making your purchase.
As with any workout routine, having space to move around is crucial to getting the most out of your workout. You will want room for jumping up and down, squatting down into a lunge position, stepping forward or backward and turning around multiple times without hitting anything (or anyone).
VR Fitness is Gaining Popularity
VR fitness is gaining popularity, and there are many options to get started. If you’re interested in trying out VR fitness, here are six things you should know:
- VR fitness can be used for weight loss. It’s been shown that incorporating virtual reality into your workout routine will increase intensity and motivation, which can help you lose weight faster than traditional exercise.
- VR fitness can be used for rehabilitation. Many people recover from injuries through physical therapy (PT), but this process can be slow and uncomfortable at times—not something most people look forward to! With the right equipment like a resistance band attachment or weights belt, you can create customizable exercises within VR apps like RehabRacer that will help improve strength without putting stress on joints during healing time or post-surgery recovery time periods.* You’re not limited by your imagination when it comes from creating your own workout routines! Just think about what gets you excited about working out—maybe dancing with your favorite music artist? Or maybe something more extreme like rock climbing? The possibilities are endless!
Conclusion
VR fitness is a great way to get in shape and have fun doing it. It’s also a good option for people who are unable or unwilling to work out in person at their local gym or fitness studio.
With so many advantages over traditional workouts, it’s no wonder that VR fitness is becoming increasingly popular!