Buzz
My goal was to determine if virtual reality games could deliver an effective workout, and last week, I shared some of my top picks. After exploring the virtual realm, I’ve come back with some conclusions.
How do VR games compare to traditional exercise routines?
The main question I aimed to answer, as I spent hours slashing, punching, and gesturing awkwardly, was Do these games truly provide a solid workout? With countless games and varying interpretations of what constitutes a good workout, it’s a complex question—but I’ve managed to piece together some answers.
Games that involve hitting objects are excellent for light cardio.
They might even qualify as medium cardio. Incorporating squats, though tedious and frustrating, engages more muscle groups and helps elevate your heart rate. I experimented with adding wrist weights (Bala Bangles) during a few songs in Supernatural. While my arms felt more fatigued, I’m not convinced this significantly enhances the workout.
The graphs above display my heart rate during a light jog (labeled “running”) and a session of Supernatural (labeled “fitness gaming”). I felt like I was exerting myself in Supernatural; I couldn’t have pushed harder unless I improved enough to tackle faster, more challenging levels.
The color-coded zones clearly indicate that these two activities are not comparable in terms of cardio intensity. Supernatural mostly kept me in the low-intensity zone, similar to what I’d experience during a walk. It only occasionally reached the medium-intensity zone, whereas even a light jog consistently keeps me in that range.
Thrill of the Fight stands out in its category for pushing into the high-intensity cardio zone.
The combination of adrenaline and non-stop punching had me pushing my limits. The graph shows my heart rate quickly spiking into the high-intensity zone and staying there throughout each round. If you’re a fan of HIIT, this game will deliver.
Games that keep you engaged while cycling could be fantastic if you’re looking to spend extended time on a bike.
My perspective here isn’t the most informed since I didn’t test them on a bike. However, if I had to choose between staring at my garage wall or exploring the slightly fuzzy streets of Paris during a long ride, I’d likely pick Paris. Now, does a blurry Paris beat an energetic Peloton instructor? I’m not entirely convinced. If you enjoy your Peloton, stick with it. But if you’re aiming for a lengthy ride while letting your thoughts drift, blurry Paris might be perfect.
The graph above showcases a variety of games. Holofit, where you ride a bike (or, in my case, simulate jogging by pumping your arms), provided a low-intensity workout akin to a brisk walk. Synth Riders (similar to Beat Saber) was comparable. Supernatural elevated me to the medium zone, Pistol Whip likely would have done the same if I hadn’t kept getting shot (I’m terrible at this game), and Eleven Table Tennis was, as expected, very relaxed.
How to Utilize Oculus Move to Monitor Your Exercise Time
Oculus offers a feature called Move that tracks your active gameplay minutes and even attempts to estimate calories burned. (Like most fitness trackers, don’t expect calorie counts to be precise, but they can help gauge workout intensity.)
Unfortunately, Move data, including minutes and calories, doesn’t sync with external apps like Apple Health. The information remains on your headset, and you can view daily stats by checking the in-game overlay.
Certain apps have their own tracking systems. Supernatural, for instance, can monitor your heart rate using a device like an Apple Watch, provided the Supernatural app is running on your phone during gameplay. (Yes, this means using three devices at once: the VR headset, phone, and watch.)
Honestly, I didn’t find this setup particularly helpful. Logging an “other” workout on the Apple Watch was more practical, as it seamlessly integrated with my other fitness apps.
What’s Lacking
VR fitness won’t meet all your fitness requirements. Crucially, it doesn’t offer progressive muscle strengthening, which is essential for building strength. While sore quads from squats in Supernatural might make you feel like you’ve had an intense workout, soreness isn’t a measure of progress and typically diminishes within a few weeks.
If you already have a strength training routine and are seeking light cardio, VR can fill that role. A daily 30-minute session of a hitting-things game can fulfill the cardio recommendations in U.S. exercise guidelines, even with weekends off.
Another gap is the lack of a compelling daily incentive. While these games are enjoyable, are they more engaging than a jog in the park with a friend or a cycling class fueled by an instructor’s energy?
Supernatural, the most fitness-oriented game I tried, encourages setting weekly goals and maintaining streaks. However, integrating VR into your fitness routine requires external motivation. Using the headset can align with personal health goals, much like tracking running mileage, but don’t expect the games to inherently keep you hooked. They lack addictive narratives or captivating challenges.
The games that feel most like traditional games often fall short as effective workouts. Whenever I fail in Pistol Whip, I’m frustrated by having to restart; I just want to complete the level. (This is why I favor the continuous, no-reset mechanics of Supernatural.) However, if you enjoy these games enough to keep playing and are confident you won’t neglect your fitness apps, then go ahead, get one, and have fun.
