As the world continues to evolve, so do our daily habits. With the introduction of virtual reality, we’re seeing that people now enjoy their favorite exercise activities in new and interactive ways.
VR is revolutionizing the way we see and experience entertainment. It allows us to immerse ourselves in a virtual environment that interacts with us in real-time. This technology is being put to use in many fields including architecture, education, and healthcare.
According to Patty Lee, one industry that has seen an explosion of VR tech is health and fitness. Traditional exercise methods are still extremely popular. However, VR is quickly becoming an alternative for those who want to try something new or simply prefer working out at home. So what makes these workouts so great? We’ll discuss this below!
What Are VR Exercises?
VR allows users to interact with a computer-generated three-dimensional image or environment. This simulation is created by a computer and displayed on a screen inside a headset. Sensors within the headset respond to the movements of the user’s head and body, which allows the user to look around and explore their virtual surroundings.
VR exercises allow users to exercise using headsets and motion trackers. They can be done at home or in a fitness center with the help of a personal trainer. Some fitness centers offer VR fitness classes. Participants can take part in group activities such as aerobics or yoga while wearing headsets.
What Makes VR Workouts So Great?
It’s Like You’re Really There
One thing about VR is that it makes you feel like you really are in the place where you’re “virtually” located. That means that if you’re on a virtual beach doing yoga, then you’ll actually feel like you’re there on the beach. This will help make your routine more real and engaging.
It’s Fun!
Why wouldn’t you want to have fun while you work out ? The game-like quality of virtual reality makes it easy to immerse yourself in a realistic and engaging environment. This will result in exercising feeling more like fun rather than work.
It’s Social
A big part of staying fit is staying motivated, and what better way to stay motivated than working out with friends? Virtual reality makes it possible for friends to be physically separated from one another. However, still, participate in the same activity and compete against each other. Receive award points for every healthy action they log in to their mobile app. Later coaches can share the results on leaderboards to stimulate friendly competition. This is helpful for anyone who is feeling unmotivated or bored by their solo workout regimen.
Best For Introverts
As a card-carrying introvert, I don’t love the idea of trying something new in public, especially if I have no idea what I’m doing. And yet!—I’ve recently found myself exploring a whole new world in which I feel totally at home: Virtual Reality.
You might be wondering: “What can someone who hates working out and is scared of crowds do in virtual reality?” Well, virtual reality has made it possible for me to do two things I never thought were possible for someone like me: exercise and socialize.
How to incorporate VR into your business?
If you’re wondering about how you can incorporate virtual reality into your business, here are a few ways to do it:
A VR Room
Set up this room with all VR equipment needed for members to feel as though they’re someplace different. Consider partnering with local businesses that have equipment available for rent or purchase as well as with software companies that provide gaming content to offer a wide range of experiences.
Virtual Training Sessions
By using a VR headset, gym-goers will see remote trainers in real-time and have them walk them through workouts without physically being present. This is great for people who are shy or don’t want to use a trainer because they’re embarrassed with their level of fitness.
Digital Classes
Offer digital classes that anyone around the world can take. All clients will need is a VR headset, VR-enabled TV or mobile device, and an internet connection. This allows your gym to increase retention, reach more customers, and tap into new streams of revenue.
Personal Training Sessions
Personal training sessions are an excellent way to increase revenue for your gym, but not everyone has the budget for them. However, when the trainer is speaking through a headset and leading the session from another location, it takes up less of their time. Therefore, it can be less expensive for the client, which means that more people will be able to afford your services.
Virtual reality is still young in the fitness market, but it has potential for a multitude of uses. When used in a health or fitness setting, the positive benefits are limitless. VR allows for an atmosphere that feels like no other, and it’s able to put you into a world where exercise becomes fun and exciting, rather than seemingly mundane and difficult. If you’re looking for ways to get your business in shape today, don’t overlook virtual reality.
Virtuagym hosted a webinar with Shahin Lauritzen, the CEO, and Co-Founder of Holodia , a VR fitness company. We talked about the five signs that it’s time for fitness business owners to start thinking about how VR will impact their fitness business. Do any of these signs apply to your business? Find out by watching the entire webinar!
