Since the days of the PlayStation Move, Wii Balance Board, or Xbox Kinect, software publishers have dreamed of finding the perfect way to get unhealthy gamers off the couch and active.
In an unexpected twist, it looks like virtual reality, and specifically the Quest 3, may finally turn out to be the hardware that brings gamified fitness to the wider world.
Get healthy with VR
Obviously, if you're a couch potato, any kind of activity is beneficial. You don't have to take a HIIT class to get started, any type of calorie-burning exercise will appeal to you in the long run.
If you're just starting out, try games that require only a little bit of movement. Something simple like Walkabout Mini Golf or a softer level Beat Saber. Games like Virtuoso also have you playing a virtual drum kit and swinging it around a bit. Doing so won't turn you into a ripped Adonis. But at least you are preparing your mind for what is to come.
Remember to consult your doctor before starting an intensive exercise program.
Quest 3 Best Workouts
There are so many Quest 3 fitness apps out there now that it can be difficult to know which one to choose. So, I'll give you three apps to help you start your fitness journey, and below I'll explain why they're the best.
the thrill of fighting
This intensive boxing workout has been around since the days of Quest 2, but Quest 3 offers better tracking. Before you even think about the big fight, there are many different ways to exercise, including heavy bags, speed balls, and sparring, all of which will have you sweating.
In The Thrill of the Fight's initial setup, the game will calibrate your height and from there you'll see yourself stepping on a virtual scale while in the gym. That's okay, because your Quest 3's battery likely won't last long before it needs a good rest.
FitXR
FitXR was easy to recommend until recently, but since they recently introduced the dreaded “I just want to quit the gym!” monthly subscription model, many people have started looking elsewhere.
There's a 7-day free trial before committing to annual or monthly payments, and the range of virtual classes from boxing to Zumba is quite impressive. If you want to take Quest fitness seriously, look no further.
Limit
If you really want to stay healthy you should never forget your mental health and Liminal is a great step towards ticking that box and getting you moving and active. The free tier's curated set of experiences is worth a try, and there's also a premium option if you want to purchase those features.
You should rank how you feel at the start of each experience you choose, then return to the game at the end to measure your improvements. It feels really good and the games range from high energy to chill so you can always choose according to your mood.
It also feels like a fun partial game and doesn't last long, making it perfect for when you need a quick boost. We really like Lininal.
Stay hydrated
If you exercise regularly, you'll know that you need to stay hydrated on board. You won't think twice about taking a sip from your water bottle. With the Quest 3, life is not so simple as the simple act of drinking is usually blocked by the headset. Plan ahead, grab a bottle with a straw, double-tap the side of the headset to switch to pass-through mode, then grab the bottle and drink. This is more important than ever as your headset gets hotter than usual.
Can Quest 3 help you get healthy?
The cardio workouts you can do in Quest 3 will undoubtedly help you improve your fitness dramatically. If you look around the internet, you'll find many people with positive stories like “As someone who lost over 100 pounds using VR as their only reality.” When it comes to exercise, I 100% recommend VR. VR changed my life!”
As with any fitness program, whether you're looking to improve your fitness, lose weight, or even improve your mental health, perseverance and getting through the tough first day are the keys to real gains.
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In discussion byu/bondtradercu
inOculusQuest
Disadvantages of using VR to get in shape
The biggest and only issue that will definitely flare up is the sweat issue. You need a ton of steam to get a good workout, and wearing your screen in a relatively heavy plastic case will only make things worse.
After all, your forehead is one of the first places you start to sweat, so wrapping it in plastic will only make the problem worse, so you'll want to take some steps to alleviate the problem, especially if you're sharing your Quest 3 headset with other friends or family. The next time you want to play Walkabout Mini Golf, there is a limit to the amount of DNA you want to inherit.
Amazon sells a variety of replacement facial interfaces and cooling padding that you can swap out between workouts. You can also purchase a pack of 100 face covers that provide some protection for your Quest and are disposable.
Another thing you might think of is a cooling fan. You can buy one to wear around your neck, and BoboVR's upcoming Pro headband for the Quest 3 has a built-in fan.
Speaking of headbands, if you haven't upgraded your Quest head strap yet, you'll want to do so before you run your virtual marathon because the one that comes with it is crap and not stable at all. You don't want your quest flying across the room when you land that perfect uppercut in The Thrill of the Fight. BoboVR's premium strap will be your best advice.