If you’ve come here, you probably already have a virtual reality desktop setup, or you might be at an advanced stage of research to buy one. Perhaps you’ve even heard that virtual fitness can be engaging, healthy and a good deal of fun – well it’s true.
Nowadays, we are increasingly able to combine fitness and gaming. If you have never tried them, VR games can be a real physical effort, but it’s also a lot of fun and you might even forget that you’re exercising at all.
This VR fitness makes it easier for people who dislike the gym and want to workout at home. If you’re unsure where to begin, I will present a handful of tips that I use in virtual fitness, but also learned from traditional sports. Although you might be surprised to learn how much easier workouts feel in virtual reality. It sounds good, right? Let’s get started.
1. CHOOSE VIRTUAL FITNESS GAME WISELY
Many VR games are relatively static: you stand still and wiggle your hands. You make movements, but do you really get any fitter? To be fair you will burn calories but you might not target the correct muscle groups.
With these types of games, you won’t improve your sports condition too much. Real training means increased heart rate, shallower breathing and lots of sweat. In VIRO MOVE you will be required to punch, dodge, avoid obstacles, crouch and many moves which reflect real physical training.
2. KNOW YOUR BORDERS
Carefully plan necessary breaks, meals and hydration. Just like in a real sport, you’ll be tired, so regenerate reasonably. You must also remember to plan adequate space for virtual fitness manoeuvres. Many games have their recommendations.
It’s safe to play VIRO MOVE in 3×2 meters (10×7 feet). To be sure, browse the Internet and find out what improper use of VR space leads. Safety first!
3. DO NOT GIVE UP
Earlier I mentioned regeneration breaks. They are necessary. However, to achieve the desired results in VR Fitness, you must be systematic. You don’t have to do training every day, but it’s good to keep your routine steady and do even light exercise. Use it or lose it.
Just like in a traditional fitness workout, you should set your goals in advance that you’ll strive for during training. You can do it directly in VIRO MOVE – in our game, you are the boss.
4. FOLLOW YOUR PROGRESS
You probably have a weighing scale at home, so use it every day and save your results. You’ll know what you are doing well and what needs improvement. Tracking your progress is motivational and essential. It works for me, so why don’t you try?
The trick is to raise the bar systematically, but don’t overdo it at the beginning. Over time you will build a workout routine that you will become positively addicted to.
5. PROTECT YOUR VIRTUAL FITNESS GLASSES
When we practice, we sweat. It’s the very same in VR fitness training. Remember that sweat won’t damage your headset, but you should keep in mind hygiene issues. Especially if you are not the only user of the headset, these things can be expensive and it’s worth taking care of them.
You can buy replaceable VR covers which absorb sweat. Suppliers often include several in the packaging, even better are the types you wash and reuse.
6. DO NOT OVERDO IT
In the beginning, start with 5 minutes intervals. These small steps formula will help convince your mind – and get your body used to the effort. I started my adventure by running from 1 kilometre – right now I am up to a half-marathon.
Remember, hard work is the only way to stronger bones, bigger muscles, strength and even a better mood – VR Fitness can do this for you. But also remember sports can cause injury if they are performed incorrectly – or too often.
7. BE A PROUD VIRTUAL FITNESS USER
But none of that matters – you have started and you are on the right track. You will achieve your goals with systematic work and consistency.
8. WORK HARD
The first pieces of training, regardless of how physically demanding it may or may not be, will be your most difficult in terms of your brains’ willingness to cooperate.
Stay strong despite everything your brain might be telling you – believe that your physical fitness will increase over time, your mind may take a few extra weeks to listen to you.
9. EAT BETTER
Your exercises will not bring the expected results if your diet isn’t under control. Replace fast food with healthy alternatives, limit sugar, don’t eat at night. Everything tastes great after a solid effort, even water.
The most important thing to do after training is to supplement your muscles with the right nutrients. Maintaining a balanced diet will indeed help you achieve your goals, but sometimes we all deserve a moment of forgetfulness and pleasure.
10. BE A REALIST AND KEEP A POSITIVE ATTITUDE
Weight loss, more endurance, flexibility and strength are LONG-TERM GOALS which require not only your commitment but also an independent ingredient – time.
You should train and eat during the day, regenerate and grow tired muscles at night. Don’t expect to be successful in a week. Trust me the months will pass quickly. Look realistically at your goals. Execution is the most important thing.
11. VIRTUAL FITNESS. REST. REPEAT.
Even the best athletes appreciate the importance of resting after a hard workout. Try to sleep at least eight hours each night, rest at least one day a week. Then you can be sure that each workout will be more reliable and stronger than the previous one.
When all this becomes routine, you will become addicted to your workouts and wonder why the old you had such a hard time beginning.
DISCLAIMER
If you have any health or medical concerns, please discuss them with your doctor before using any virtual fitness apps or beginning any exercise program.
Good look!
Tomasz Turmowicz
