Buzz
Virtual reality technology has evolved significantly since I first encountered a VR arcade at a mall in the 1990s. (Back then, I was intrigued but never tried it—$5 per game felt like my entire weekly allowance.) Today, you can wear a headset and move freely in your living room, choosing from dance games to fitness-focused applications. This leads me to explore: just how effective is a VR workout?
What exactly does a VR headset offer?
I’m testing the Oculus Quest 2, a standalone device that doesn’t require a computer connection. With the headset on and controllers in hand, the games prompt you to use your hands and body to interact with the virtual environment.
Most VR fitness applications eliminate the need for button presses on controllers; instead, they rely on hand gestures. Since the game tracks your headset's position, it can prompt you to squat or lean sideways. While the actions required in these games are similar, the immersive environments they create vary widely.
Setting Up Your VR Exercise Area
Although virtual worlds can be expansive, your living room remains limited in size. To prevent collisions with walls or furniture, VR games incorporate a system that establishes virtual boundaries.
On the Oculus, this boundary is known as the Guardian. (The Vive, another leading VR headset, refers to it as the Chaperone.) During setup, the virtual environment disappeared, and I saw my real surroundings in grainy black-and-white. My couch, walls, and other objects were visible as the device instructed me to use the controllers to draw a boundary line on the floor, similar to spraying water with a hose.
For 'roomscale' games, which allow movement, the minimum recommended play area is two meters by two meters, or 6.5 by 6.5 feet.
I initially considered using my driveway as a play area, but the Oculus explicitly warns against outdoor use. This is due to several reasons. First, you’re completely unaware of your surroundings while immersed in a game, making it easy to miss people, vehicles, or animals entering your space. Second, the headset relies on small cameras to track its position and your hands, which fail in darkness or excessive brightness. Lastly, sunlight hitting the lenses can permanently damage the device—even brief exposure, like leaving it screen-up on a sunny day, can ruin it.
After setting up my Guardian, I began navigating the virtual environment. Upon starting the headset, you’re placed in a home-like virtual space with menus displayed as a large screen. The boundary I drew remained invisible unless I approached it, at which point a grid-lined, transparent wall would briefly appear.
Stepping through the Guardian’s boundary causes the virtual world to vanish, replacing it with a grainy black-and-white view of your actual surroundings. This feature proved useful for placing a water bottle and towel just outside my workout zone; I could simply peek through the boundary to hydrate without removing the headset. Additionally, you can integrate your real-world couch into the virtual environment, adding a touch of realism.
What Do VR Fitness Games Entail?
The most straightforward and effective games involve hitting objects in rhythm with music. Other formats include dance routines where you mimic an instructor and boxing simulations that immerse you in virtual fights. (One boxing game, despite its dated graphics, was so captivating that I instinctively looked for my water bottle on a bench in the in-game locker room.)
Some VR games allow you to engage in real-world sports like golf and table tennis within a virtual setting. Another fascinating option involves a continuously shifting virtual environment that syncs with your pedaling on a real exercise bike.
Managing Sweat and Practical Challenges
Active VR games occupy a unique space between traditional video gaming (often done lounging with snacks) and physical workouts (typically performed in moisture-wicking attire). Adjusting to this hybrid experience can be tricky. For instance, I had to experiment with hairstyles to accommodate the headset straps, eventually settling on a low braid as the most practical solution.
While exploring VR forums, I discovered that fitness enthusiasts often customize their headsets with third-party straps and accessories. One item I purchased was a silicone face cover, which prevents sweat from seeping into the foam padding. (Though I opted for a budget-friendly version, the VR Cover is highly recommended.) This keeps the headset cleaner and more hygienic, especially when shared with others.
Now fully equipped, I’ve been testing various games and will share a detailed review of my top picks next week. If you’ve tried VR fitness workouts, share your experiences in the comments and recommend any must-try games I shouldn’t overlook.
