Virtual reality is still sorting itself out as a modern technology, and within that technology the concept of VR exercise is only just starting to emerge. Even so however, it’s crystal clear that VR will impact fitness and wellness efforts for those who are interested. That is, there will be ways to work out through virtual reality that are entirely new, and which give us fresh ways to stay engaged with workout programs.
To some extent, looking ahead to this VR sub-industry’s development involves blind prediction. However, judging by some of the early VR experiences both in fitness specifically and otherwise, these would appear to be some of the types of games to look forward to.
1. Cycling In VR
Cycling is the most straightforward means of applying virtual reality to exercise. Even if you haven’t thought about it before, you can probably imagine the applications immediately: simple cycling machines, paired with VR, such that you can trick your mind into thinking you’re cycling through whatever terrain the goggles or glasses are showing you. This has proven to be such a natural and relatively easy pairing that there is already a whole selection of virtual reality bikes to choose between, and in all likelihood they’re only going to become more common and more affordable.
2. Climbing In VR
Climbing in VR is more difficult to imagine, but it comes to mind because one of the most popular virtual reality games in existence so far is called The Climb. It’s basically a fantasy cliff-scaling program, but naturally it doesn’t actually involve physical climbing. The right climbing machine could work with a game like this and operate similarly to the aforementioned cycling experiences. However, there would have to be very careful syncing between the grabs and steps you need to make in VR and the ones on the machine in order for this to be safe. It’s difficult but perfectly feasible, which means there’s a virtual guarantee we’ll see it.
3. Original Machines
It’s not a stretch to say the most interesting thing we’ve seen so far in virtual reality fitness is the invention of new machines altogether. The prevailing example is called Icaros, and it’s quite something to look at in action. You can imagine it almost like a recumbent bike, except that it calls for you to suspend yourself facedown. And rather than pedaling, you’re essentially moving your body and arms in order to simulate motion as needed in a VR game. It’s intended to work the core and provide some aerobic exercise as well, while also providing a thrilling, game-like experience.
4. Simple Game & Aerobic Blends
Here, some imagination is required – but not all that much. We’re talking about simple arcade games – the sort you download as apps or play in your browser. This might mean mobile puzzle games or escape the room experiences. It might mean online slots, which come in video form now and emphasize graphics and atmospheres that are already tempting VR developers. It may even mean mobile editions of Guitar Hero-like games. Basically anything that could conceivably involve quick motions could theoretically be turned into an interactive VR game meant to exercise. For an escape the room game, you could be asked to shuffle or hop to face one way in order to move the screen; for a casino game you could have to run in place to rev up a slot reel; for musical games it could work almost like Dance Dance Revolution. The idea is basically that any game could be transformed into a fitness experience.
5. VR Gyms
This isn’t necessarily a type of game or exercise specifically. However, the notion of VR gyms has been called a fit trend to watch, and with good reason. Already, virtual reality is spawning a rebirth of the arcade space, and this is in part because a public arcade can support equipment people won’t buy for their homes. This clearly sets the stage for some such arcades to be fitness-oriented. Things like bikes, climbing machines, and the aforementioned Icaros and its competitors could all occupy space in a public gym, and they would also give people a chance to pay via membership rather than buying a machine for the home (noteworthy especially because the Icaros, for example, costs around $3,000). They may take a while to spring up and become popular, but bet on seeing VR gyms, or VR rooms in existing gyms, before too much longer.
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