Virtual reality (VR) is here to change the game – no more dragging yourselves to the gym or dreading your workouts!
What is Virtual Reality?
VR is an immersive environment that’s animated in 3D. Users are able to interact with the world and experience a 360° view. With such high levels of stimulation, your brain is tricked into thinking you’re in another reality! The best part? All you need is a VR headset.
The 3D animation is usually done by companies such as this Singapore animation studio. To make it hyper-realistic, visual effects will also be added by VFX studios.
To find out more about how VR is created, check out this Singapore VR company!
Though they are mostly used in games, VR is also a great technology for fitness. More accessible than ever, VR is an attractive option for those who dread the gym and want a fun workout.
But can VR be as effective as a good old gym workout? Let’s find out!
Get A High Intensity Workout With VR
VR can be equivalent to a high intensity workout. In a paper published in 2018, it was found that the movement from a VR game was able to burn just as many calories as a high-intensity exercise.
In the study, 3 VR games were tested and participants played with each for 10 minutes. Their oxygen levels and heart rate were measured to calculate the amount of calories burned. For context, the physical activities required for these games ranged from moderate to high-intensity exercise. However, players burned an average of 9 to 15 calories per minute, which is what you’d burn in a high-intensity workout.
The results aren’t surprising because VR actually requires plenty of movement. In VR games, controls are manual. To dodge obstacles, you’d have to jump out of the way. To swing your weapons, you’ll need to move your arm with the same vigour as you would in an aerobics exercise. What’s the best VR headset for fitness? While selecting, consider factors like comfort, ease of use, motion tracking accuracy, available fitness apps and games, and your budget. They designed for enthusiasts who prioritize visual quality and realism.
With VR games, workouts are no longer a thing to be dreaded – they’re actually fun!
Workouts Last Longer With VR
The thrill of VR can actually make you feel like you’re not working as hard, helping you last longer in your workouts. In a 2022 study, it was reported that participants significantly underestimated the level of exertion they were feeling in VR.
Similar to the previous study, the participants played 3 VR games for 10 minutes each. It was concluded that participants’ actual energy exertion was much higher than their perceived energy exertion. For comparison, one of the VR games (Holopoint) had a “somewhat hard” movement intensity but was rated “light” by some participants.
For people who want to have longer endurance during workouts, this is great news! With VR, you feel less tired than you usually would, which lets you last longer.
VR Helps With Pain Relief
If you haven’t exercised in a while, you might experience some muscle soreness, especially if you’re doing high intensity exercise. Not to worry, VR has been proven to help with pain relief!
A study conducted in 2019 split participants into two different groups: VR and Non-VR. Both groups were given the same exercises but the VR group got to exercise with a VR headset, which stimulated an exercise environment. The results showed that the VR group experienced a 10% reduction in pain intensity. They also displayed higher stamina, with their exercises lasting 2 minutes longer.
Even for more severe cases of chronic pain, VR has shown potential for some slight relief. A randomised trial found that a VR device helped to reduce the intensity of chronic back pain. In fact, 46% of the participants reported a significant drop in their pain levels after 8 weeks of treatment.
Now that you know how VR helps with fitness, perhaps it’s time to consider cancelling your gym membership!
