Get Fit With VR
Whether it’s rainy weather putting you off an outdoor run or you simply want a new way to exercise, VR fitness offers a fun and exciting way to stay healthy. With a VR workout, you get the joy of a virtual reality adventure and the benefits of good old exercise.
But how do VR fitness games work? Here’s your guide to exercising with a VR headset.
Can you get fit with VR?
One of the big questions many people ask is can you really get fit with VR? The sound of playing a virtual reality (VR) game to keep fit and healthy seems too good to be true. But unlike classic game consoles, where you tend to sit on the sofa, controller in hand, VR fitness games get you up and moving.
How does a VR fitness game work?
You might also be wondering how VR fitness works. There are a few different game styles to choose from but all follow the same basic premise. You don your virtual reality headset, immersing yourself in a digital landscape. You control your character by moving your body — whether that’s navigating a VR escape room in London, chasing zombies, or taking part in a VR boxing workout game.
Different types of VR games offer various levels of workouts. If you’re running around a lot shooting ghosts or zombies, you’re likely to rack up lots of steps — and don’t forget the adrenaline rush!
On the other hand, a game like our Arrowsong archery experience will work your upper body but probably won’t provide much cardio.
The Virtual Reality Institute of Health and Exercise has tested dozens of VR games to find out how effective they are as a form of exercise. The institute has assigned each game with a rating, indicating the type of exercise the game is equivalent to — for example, walking, tennis, or elliptical — and how many calories per minute it burns. If you’re keen to integrate VR experiences into your regular fitness routine, this catalogue of ratings can be a great way to choose the most effective exercise types for you.
According to Fitness Insider, Arizona Sunshine, one of our favourite VR zombie shooting games, is equivalent to using an elliptical machine. Players also average 10 squats per hour playing Arizona Sunshine!
The benefits of a VR fitness experience
With VR games, part of the joy is working in a group. While working out at the gym can feel somewhat isolating, VR experiences let you interact with friends and family members. You also get a varied workout — perfect for those who find running on a treadmill or doing weight reps monotonous.
Ultimately, VR exercise doesn’t feel like exercise — it gets you moving and elevates your heart rate in a fun and engaging way. What could be better?
What about a brain workout?
Physical fitness is, of course, a vital part of staying healthy. But don’t forget to flex your mind muscles, too. A VR escape room features puzzles and challenges to exercise your brain, which is just as important for overall health and well-being. So if you’re not feeling up to a hugely active zombie shooting game, why not try puzzling your way out of a fantasy pirate ship in The Corsair’s Curse or explore a 19th-century steampunk world in Huxley 2?
Book an exciting VR experience with Omescape
Virtual reality experiences have opened up a whole new way to play games, interact with friends, and get moving. Whether you’re interested in chasing the undead or following clues to escape from an immersive world, book your VR escape room or game at Omescape and jump into a world of adventure.