Introducing VR headsets for fitness

Perhaps you’ve heard of virtual reality (VR) games. Some people apparently lose loads of weight while playing games like BeatSaber and fighting games, and from fitness apps like Supernatural.

I wrote this article for friends and relatives of mine, who may not understand what I’m doing with a strange headset on. Let’s see what VR games are, how it could be considered exercise, and how I approach exercise with and without VR games.

How VR games work

For those not familiar with VR games, basically you move in real space using hand-held controllers or bare hands. Some games involve wandering around a room (with shortcuts for crossing large distances). Some involve punching people or chopping vegetables. Some involve painting (my favourite is Kingspray Grafitti). There are so many motions that can be done.

I currently play with a Quest 3, and have an original Quest purchased several years ago. I love almost every game I’ve played.

VR games as a fitness tool

The handheld controllers, if applicable, don’t actually weigh much. Some people wear small wrist weights and ankle weights to increase their heart rate.

Moving around in a room doesn’t sound like exercise, does it? However, it does feel like exercise.

Most fans of VR say their heart rate rises when playing high-movement games such as boxing and rhythm games. I agree, I get a little sweaty too.

VR games of all sorts do fit the criteria of being exercise – getting the heart rate up while moving adequately to engage muscles for an extended period of time.

Pros and cons of building fitness through video games

Benefits

As a certified personal trainer (since 2016), I think individuals could lose weight by playing regularly. I just think participants are missing some key practical ideas from exercise. Moving more is usually a good thing.

Concerns

Playing with any movement activity can cause some issues for at least some people. Here’s a whole bunch of my concerns. Try to address as many of these if you try VR or any other video games that feel like exercise.

  • Repetitive motions can become repetitive strain or overuse injuries
  • Nothing in the game talk about hydration and nutrition which are involved in sustained weight loss and muscle building
  • Headsets are somewhat delicate and not usually designed for a sweaty forehead over long periods – your headset contact points may become stained
  • The headset may need to be tightened so that it doesn’t move around
  • While moving in a virtual environment, the player loses connection to their physical body

That last point is especially important. If you’re actually overweight and want to lose weight, or out of shape and want to firm up, I’d hope you’re exercising using traditional means as well. In a real-life fitness class, you get so many benefits:

  • You’ll need to constantly adjust to the space and your balance; you’ll be made aware of your body’s abilities
  • You’re likely wearing athletic shoes (preferred for safety and injury prevention)
  • You’ll meet other people face to face, if at a gym or in a cardio class
  • You’ll see people drinking from their water bottle
  • You can wipe your face
  • You can look down and follow your exercise program
  • You can drink and eat easily
  • You interact with physical weights and equipment handles – it’s not just waving or punching your arms in empty space
  • Traditional workouts have a warmup to prep muscles and loosen and lubricate joints
  • They also have a cooldown when stretches are done for effective recovery
  • There’s no distractions so you can focus on proper form and accurate movement patterns

Despite having some drawbacks, I would still count VR games as exercise

I recommend several cardio and/or strength training workouts per week, where not prohibited by medical advisors. Health comes from extended activity that uses a range of muscles, plus coordination and balance.

Something like walking for 30 minutes or more could bring better health benefits than VR games. For example, while walking in your community, you can say hi to neighbours, bring home some veggies, or chat with a buddy alongside.

If you’re playing VR games as your only exercise, I suggest adding a stretching or yoga routine just to keep all the body parts aligned and fit. Work your way up. Pay attention to body signals like poor sleep, dehydration, and appetite changes you may miss while wearing the headset.

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