Using a VR headset as a workout tool while you’re self-isolating? You can mix things up a little this weekend with live fitness sessions for Synth Riders.
Starting tomorrow ‘Synth Sundays’ will feature professional trainers and Twitch streamers Carize and HeyFalcon playing the VR rhythm game for you to dance along to. They’ll lead sessions that you can join in the game’s multiplayer mode. You can also join in on Twitch if you don’t want to be in VR.
Synth Sundays starts on April 1 at 1pm PST. That’s 4pm if you’re on the east coast or 9pm if you’re in the UK.
The sessions start following the release of Synth Riders’ Fitness Update. This includes the brand new YUR.watch, which we covered earlier this week. It’s essentially a virtual fitness device that keeps track of calories burned across games, so you can have a varied VR workout. It’s also available in games like OhShape and SairentoVR and doesn’t cost a penny to use.
Synth Riders is a Beat Saber-esque rhythm game that has you dancing to music by touching orbs with the corresponding hand. We’re pretty fond of the game, and it’s a good way to keep fit while staying indoors.
Also part of the update is a non-stop play mode (great for keeping your heart rate going), avatars in multiplayer lobbies, the ability to scale for a bigger play area and an increase in multiplayer room limit from five to ten. There’s also a new free song in Phoenix, by Raizer.
Will you be tuning in to Synth Sundays tomorrow? Let us know in the comments below!
VR fitness platform YUR is levelling up at-home workouts during COVID-19 isolation with the launch of a virtual watch in several Oculus Quest games and on PC.
The YUR.watch, as it’s called, is a new interface that mimics a real-life smartwatch, attached to the user’s wrist. It counts the calories you burn off while playing games. It also keeps track of a heart rate estimate calculated on your height and weight, and it’ll count the number of squats you do over a play session. Once you’ve signed in, you’ll be able to keep track of your daily targets and rise through a levelling system to unlock new tiers of watches.
Previously YUR integration on Quest came by way of SideQuest, which gave you a floating menu in-game. But the watch is being natively integrated into Quest apps via updates. I tried it out with Synth Riders, which you can see in the video below.
After a quick play around, the watch seems like a pretty fantastic addition for any VR gamers that want to keep fit. Being able to track progress persistently across multiple games is a huge advantage, and the interface can be summoned and disregarded with a flick of a wrist. There’s no physical interaction, which is a shame given that it could allow for great UI control, but understandable given you don’t want it to interfere with gameplay.
Right now the watch is officially integrated into Sairento VR, Racket: Nx and Synth Riders, with support for the excellent OhShape arriving tomorrow. We’d definitely like to see it get added into more Quest games in the future. On PC, though, the watch can be more easily integrated into games, as evidenced by this excellent Half-Life: Alyx GIF.
Will you be using YUR.watch to keep fit in VR while you stay indoors? Let us know in the comments below.
VR fitness app BoxVR is releasing its first DLC next week, and it’s coming just in time.
The Essentials Pack is arriving on Oculus Quest on March 26 for $9.99. Included in the pack are new workout regimes and new songs to box to. 60 minutes of new music is included overall, spanning a range of genres.
In BoxVR, players punch flying orbs that arrive to the time of a beat. Using different types of punches and occasional squats and guards, the game delivers a fun and varied workout routine that keeps track of the calories you’re burning. Multiplayer support is also included in the game.
The Essentials Pack is BoxVR’s first premium DLC, having previously been supported by free updates.
Even though next week is a busy time for Quest, with games like The Room VR and an alpha for Echo VR touching down, this DLC arrives at a perfect time. BoxVR is a great VR fitness app and, as more people head into self-isolation due to the ongoing coronavirus crisis, it presents a good way to keep fit indoors. We even included the game in our list of apps to help you through self-isolation earlier this week.
As for other platforms, developer FitXR says they’ll get the pack at a later date. BoxVR is also available on PC VR and PSVR headsets, so hopefully fans don’t have to wait too long.
Will you be hitting up (get it?) the BoxVR DLC? Let us know in the comments below!
The cord-free, standalone Meta Quest system is one of the best options for VR fitness, exercise and workout routines. Here are our picks the best Quest 2 fitness and exercise apps to get your blood pumping.
[This article was originally published in March 2020. It was edited and updated in March 2021 and again in February 2022.]
The following list is in no particular order, however there are two general categories of apps on the list.
The first category is apps that are specifically designed for working out in VR — usually with specifically designed sessions that you follow for a workout session.
The second is incidental workout apps — apps and experiences that weren’t designed specifically for working out, but can be used in such a way because they get the blood pumping enough when played at a high intensity.
Despite all these new additions, the basic premise has always remained the same — it’s features rhythm-based boxing, dance and HIIT routines that gives you points for speed and accuracy. In July last year, the app also added a bunch of notable artists to its music catalog, including Calvin Harris and Tiesto.
FitXR is free to download on the Quest Store, with a subscription-based service in place for access to workouts. There’s a 7-day free trial for new users.
Let’s not beat around the saber – initially, Supernatural started out as a fitness-focused Beat Saber clone. Notes fly at you in time with music, which you have to hit in-time using bats and occasionally you’ll be forced to squat to avoid obstacles. However, the service has since added new boxing workout as well, expanding its offering of guided coach workouts.
Every 24 hours, there’s a new workout playlist/routine for you to run through. The aim is to get you sweating with big arm swings and quick squats. The better you perform, the harder the routine will get, thanks to Supernatural’s adaptive difficulty.
Supernatural is free to download on Quest, but is only currently available in select regions. Access to workouts uses a subscription pricing model, with a free trial period for new users.
One of the newer entries on the list, Les Mills Bodycombat is an attractive option for those looking to avoid a subscription model.
The app is brought to you by the Les Mills brand, which has gyms globally as well as a substantial online workout offering. The Quest Bodycombat app adapts one of these online workout classes into 30 boxing workouts for VR, available as a one-off purchase.
You’ll be punching and squatting to the beat of the music, with the option to select a playlist between five and 20 minutes. It’s not the most original VR workout option, but it gets the basics right in a polished experience available for a one-time price.
If you’re looking to pair a physical fitness machine with a virtual workout, then Holofit is one of two apps that lets you do so. The app pairs your headset with compatible bikes, elipticals and rowing machines, allowing you to use your physical machines in a virtual location.
However, even without any machines, the app also has HIIT, fat burn and time-attack programs that see you recreate skiing, running or cycling using movements with the Touch controllers.
Holofit is available on Quest via a yearly or monthly subscription model with a 7-day trial for new users.
VZFit
Another option for connecting physical machines and fitness trackers, VZFit uses Google Street View to let you virtually exercise anywhere you want. The app has Strava and Fitbit support, alongside connectivity with “most smart bike devices and trainer sensors.”
There’s also full body workouts and support for an optional cadence sensor, which you’ll have to buy separately, that allows you to connect a stationary exercise bike that’s missing smart bike functionality.
VZFit is available for Quest with a 7-day free trial and $9.99 monthly subscription.
Beat Saber was definitely never intended to be used as a workout app, but there’s a significant amount of people who use it for just that. A couple of levels on Expert or Expert+ in Beat Saber will get your heart rate pumping like there’s no tomorrow.
Beat Saber is available for Oculus Quest for $29.99.
Synth Riders is, yes, another VR rhythm game and while it takes some visual notes from Beat Saber and other entries in the genre, the gameplay is quite different. You’ll hit floating spheres to the rhythm of the music, and move your hands in circular or curved motions to follow tails that fly off each sphere. It’s similar in concept to other rhythm games, but with its own spin.
The game has implemented a variety of fitness-focused features, such as a calorie counter and a fitness update that arrived earlier this year and included live VR workout sessions, guided by a trainer.
Jamie described this game as “Beat Saber for your body” and said it was a “genuinely authentic fitness game.” It’s not a workout in the traditional sense, but it will get your blood flowing as you throw your body around to the music, fitting and moving yourself into all different shapes.
With the intensity ramped up, you might end up burning calories faster than some of the other fitness games on this list.
Pistol Whip might seem like a strange entry for a VR exercise list at first, but play a couple of the levels on harder difficulty and you’ll quickly see how Pistol Whip could qualify as a workout. The ducking and constant quick movements will have your glutes and quads burning after a long session.
While not designed as a fitness app, Until You Fall is a VR roguelike that will have you hacking and slashing in heart-racing melee combat. At its most intense, the game should offer you something comparable to a light upper body workout. That being said, its roguelike mechanics means it’s more game-y than other entries on this list. If you’re looking for something fun to play that also gives you a bit of a workout along the way, Until You Fall might be best.
There are a number of boxing games available on the Quest, but The Thrill of the Fight uses mechanics that aims to be more of a true-to-life simulator in a boxing ring, as opposed to a workout-first approach to VR boxing. A few rounds in the ring and you’ll be sweating profusely. We definitely prefer this one over Creed VR on Quest.
Oculus Move isn’t a VR workout app, but rather a feature that will let you track your progress, workouts and calories burned while in VR. It was announced in 2020 at Facebook Connect and should work Quest-wide on all of your apps. It’s a good option to natively track your fitness and workout sessions in VR across all activity on Quest.
Oculus Move can be enabled in the Quest system settings.
What are you favorite Quest exercise apps that keep you active in a VR workout session? Let us know in the comments.
It’s been nearly a year now since we’ve had to stay indoors to stem the tide of the COVID-19 pandemic, and you’d be forgiven if you’ve become a lot less active as a result. There’s no better time than the present though to get up and moving, and we’ve got five awesome VR games that can help you do just that.
Here’s our top five VR games to not only keep your heart rate up, but trick you into having a blast while doing it.
Warning: Make sure to clear your play area first, and stay far away from your TV, pets, babies, and priceless Fabergé eggs!
5 – Until You Fall
Doing intense cardio workouts is awesome for heart health, but if you’re looking for a more casual starting point, you definitely need to jump into this rogue-lite sword & sorcery game from the illustrious Schell Games, the same studio behind the I Expect You to Die VR puzzle franchise. You’ll get getting an arm workout in without even knowing it.
Thrill of the Fight (2016) is an oldie, but a goodie. Created by Sealost Interactive, this single-player boxing sim is considered one of the best ways to get a high intensity cardio workout and let out a little frustration while you’re at it. Sorry folks, there’s no PSVR version yet, but at this late date in the headset’s life cycle, there may never be. Look to our honorable mentions below for more great boxing sims!
Shoot, dodge, and bash a dude in the face: that’s all there is to it in Pistol Whip (2019). But when more baddies come and you have to start dodging bullets like Neo from The Matrix, you’ll almost forget you’re basically doing a pretty comprehensive cardio routine. There’s also been a steady stream of free levels this past year, making Pistol Whip even bigger and cooler.
The promise of free-style dancing and addictive synthwave tunes will have you up and grooving to the beat in Kluge Interactive’s fun and funky VR rhythm game. It’s a great go-to for single-player action, but one of the best bits is the recent addition of power-ups and multiplayer Kart-style racing, which will have you playing against friends online to see who can get the highest score. PSVR version is set to come sometime in 2021.
For the sheer density of levels, difficulties, and production value, Beat Saber (2018) still comes out on top, even years after its release. Time and time again, this block-slashing rhythm game manages to get you moving, dancing, and going back for more to get that perfect ‘S’ class result on your favorite Expert+ song, all the while tricking you into working out. Multiplayer isn’t perfect, but if you’re looking for an unbeatable workout you’ll love all of the single-player content Beat Saber has to offer.
Update (February 15th, 2021): It’s been a long year of social distancing, but also a great opportunity for studios to mobilize and offer up some great fitness-focused games. We’re constantly keeping an eye out for fun, new games though. Let us know in the comments below your favorite fitness game!
Thanks to its motion-tracked input, VR can be a surprisingly physical activity, and even a great workout if you’re playing the right games. This article explains why working out in VR is game-changing for those of us who have a hard time staying motivated with a typical gym routine. We’ll also highlight games and accessories which improve VR as a fitness activity.
Cas & Chary Present
Cas and Chary VR is a YouTube channel hosted by Netherland-based duo Casandra Vuong and Chary Keijzer who have been documenting their VR journeys since 2016. In partnership with the channel, Road to VR shares a curated selection of their content.
So I wanted to touch on a subject that I usually find a boring chore but can actually be incredibly fun in VR!
Everyone needs to work out, but I’m usually not motivated to actually dress up and go to the gym after work. It certainly doesn’t help that I find exercising in a gym boring and time-consuming. However, for a while now, I’ve been using VR as my workout, and it feels great. I don’t have trouble staying motivated because it’s fun!
Success Stories
You don’t have to take only my word for it though. Many others have made VR part of their physical fitness and with real success. See, for example, this article by VR Scout where they share a success story from Robert who developed a daily 30 minute workout routine using just Beat Saber and lost 138 pounds in only two months.
Reddit user geoffbowman says he has been on a six month VR fitness journey using Beat Saber to determine the results one can get from only adding VR cardio to an otherwise unchanged lifestyle and diet. He shows a picture of the results and says that he is 30 pounds lighter.
The Virtual Reality Institute of Health and Exercise does research on the impact of virtual reality exercise on the human body. They concluded that exercising in VR with the right games can burn more calories than most dedicated workout equipment at the gym.
Several companies have started working on calorie-tracking apps dedicated to VR games. The VR Institute of Health and Exercise has an app called VR Health Exercise Tracker that you can download for free to accurately estimate calorie burn in specific VR games. There’s another VR calorie measurement app by YUR Fit. I’ll talk more about these apps below.
For me, the best thing about working out in VR is that it doesn’t feel like a boring session at the gym anymore. It just feels like I’m playing a game, which makes it enjoyable and easier for me to stay motivated. Plus it really does feel like a workout afterward.
This is why I wanted to share this video. I want to inspire others to give this a shot. And if you have friends who don’t like gaming, they might like getting a VR headset just for fitness.
What You Need to Start Working Out in VR
The two basic things that you need are a VR headset and some VR games. If you don’t have a headset yet. I recommend getting an Oculus Quest as its quick and easy to use, and the lack of tether is great for games with lots of motion. Quest starts at $400.
Once you’ve got the headset, using a calorie tracker and a heart monitor is useful too as it can track your workout more accurately. Tip: If you have an Apple Watch, Apple has added a ‘Fitness Gaming’ workout type recently.
However, since VR is still a pretty new industry, normal calorie trackers might not give you the most accurate data. So I recommend using a calorie tracker that’s dedicated to VR gaming. Here’s two free options that I like:
YUR Fit
The one I prefer using is YUR Fit as it shows an overlay during my VR gaming sessions that displays how many calories I’ve burned, how long I’ve been working out, my current heart-rate, and even how many times I’ve squatted.
Heart-rate data is available if you connect a compatible heart monitor. Here’s a list of all monitors that are supported by the YUR Fit app. I am using a Wahoo TICKR, and I’m pretty satisfied with it. If you use the app without a heart monitor, it’ll estimate your heart-rate by software.
YUR Fit is currently in Early Access. You can download the desktop app on Steam or sideload the app on the Oculus Quest. If you don’t know how to sideload, I’ve made a guide on it in a previous video.
VR Health Exercise Tracker
This is the app by the Virtual Reality Institute of Health and Exercise. This one seems to support fewer heart monitors as mine didn’t work, but this app does show a list of various games which tells you how many calories you will burn per minute per game. The calorie burn for each individual game is rated by the institute themselves. More info on their ratings can be found here.
For those looking for some VR game recommendations. Here are the ones I like to use during my VR workout.
Beat Saber – Rhythm VR game that trains my arms the most. So I usually combine this with other games.
Audio Trip – Rhythm VR game with great flow that makes your whole body move.
Pistol Whip – A music game that makes you feel awesome, and since you dodge bullets a lot, you will squat a lot. I use this to train my bottom body.
Until You Fall – A procedurally generated sword fighting game that can be intense too. Moves your arms the most, but squatting is sometimes needed too.
If you want more game tips, I recommend checking out the rated games in the VR Health Life app. You can also check out this VR workout regime by Road to VR Executive Editor Ben Lang which suggests a specific routine and ways to play each game for the best workout.
So normally VRFocus would publish this kind of article at the start of the year, just as everyone has made their new years resolution to be a bit healthier, eat better and exercise a bit more. Usually, all that has come crashing down by the end of January, it’s still cold and miserable outside and the thought of going for a run or even attempting the gym seems like a herculean task. So why not take a different approach, stay inside, grab the virtual reality (VR) headset and maybe, just maybe, enjoy working up a sweat.
To help in this task without spending too much cash, VRFocus has selected the best VR titles which will move that body of yours. Some are sports videogames – no not leisurely fishing ones – while others involve shooting stuff, dancing and even causing a bit of carnage in a bid to help justify that Friday night pizza.
Pistol Whip
Here’s a videogame that certainly doesn’t fit into the category of fitness but to truly succeed standing on the spot just isn’t an option. Pistol Whipis a rhythm-action experience using guns, where you have to survive levels killing all the opponents on route, all to some thumping tunes.
These enemies shoot back so you’ll need to be light on your feet to dodge bullets as well as return fire. On the harder levels, Pistol Whip is a good full-body cardio workout because if you don’t put the effort in you’ll fail.
Supported platforms: Oculus Quest, Oculus Rift, HTC Vive, Valve Index and Windows Mixed Reality
BoxVR
Here’s the first proper training VR app on this list, taking the sport of boxing and combining it with rhythm action gameplay. You can choose from 45 workouts depending on how vigorous a session you want. These vary in length from short three-minute warmups to 60+ minute endurance workouts, there’s enough choice depending on how many calories you want to burn. Great for the upper body, you can even use your own tunes.
Supported platforms: Oculus Quest, Oculus Rift, HTC Vive, Valve Index, Windows Mixed Reality and PlayStation VR
Beat Saber
This title is almost a de facto purchase for anyone new to VR or looking for a fun, energetic experience. There’s no denying the fact that swinging a couple of swords around to music is terribly addictive, easily making time fly for some entertaining exercise. Like a lot of these titles, it’s only on the higher difficulty levels that you’ll really burn some calories. Anything less than Expert just won’t cut it.
Supported platforms: Oculus Quest, Oculus Rift, HTC Vive, Valve Index, Windows Mixed Reality and PlayStation VR
Racket: Nx
A futuristic take on squash Racket: Nxputs you inside a giant dome with hexagonal wall panels which light up according to the mode and difficulty. Some panels score points, some remove health and others replace health, offering a nice gameplay mixture which isn’t solely about smashing a ball. There are single-player and multiplayer modes helping up that competitive edge, just make sure you have plenty of space to play in.
Supported platforms: Oculus Quest, Oculus Rift, HTC Vive, Valve Index and Windows Mixed Reality
Thrill of the Fight
While BoxVR merely used a boxing theme to workout to, Thrill of the Fightputs you slap bang in the middle of the ring. This is one of those titles which doesn’t offer lots of flashy extras, just you and an opponent to punch it out. There are training areas with a speedball, punching bag and more to fine-tune your skills. The fights themselves are some of the best you’ll get in VR, no arms flailing here, you need to be accurate and punch with intention.
Supported platforms: Oculus Quest, Oculus Rift, HTC Vive, Valve Index and Windows Mixed Reality
Sprint Vector
Before getting fit in VR was really a thing if you wanted to burn some calories and get your sweat on then Survios’ Sprint Vector was one of the best ways to do it. Designed around the idea of looking for a novel way for people to move in VR without feeling nauseous, Sprint Vectorutilised arm swinging as a means of propulsion alongside gliding and climbing mechanics.
With a game show vibe and a competitive edge, Sprint Vector is ideally suited to those who want more than just a training regime.
Supported platforms: Oculus Rift, HTC Vive and PlayStation VR
Gorn
The most brutal title on this list, there’s no music here – unless for some reason blood splatter counts – as Gornis a gladiatorial combat experience. Gameplay is all about survival, using an assortment of melee weapons to decapitate, dismember, smash, stab, rip or slice opponents to bits. As such there’s plenty of effort involved, especially once the arena starts to fill up with opponents. After a few matches, you’ll soon feel the burn.
Supported platforms: Oculus Rift, HTC Vive, Valve Index, Windows Mixed Reality and PlayStation VR
Synth Riders
Time for another rhythm-action videogame, this time going for a retro 80s vibe. Featuring the most Synth Wave tracks of any VR title – other genres like DubStep are included – Synth Ridersis best described as neon-drenched cheerleader gaming. The standard mode has you matching coloured orbs, while featuring more of a boxing theme, having to punch the orbs as well.
Synth Riders gets you moving to some very catchy beats – 30 to choose from – so you’ll want to rest those arms after a good session.
Supported platforms: Oculus Quest, Oculus Rift, HTC Vive, Valve Index and Windows Mixed Reality
Creed: Rise to Glory
Float like and butterfly and sting like a bee in one of the more realistic experiences in this fitness selection. Creed: Rise to Gloryby Survios puts you in the film, able to train with the likes of Rocky Balboa, before heading into the ring to see if you’ve got the skills to last. A high energy videogame which certainly requires effort, here you have both single-player campaign and free play modes plus online PvP matchmaking for plenty of gameplay options.
Supported platforms: Oculus Quest, Oculus Rift, HTC Vive, PlayStation VR
Dance Central
There’s no denying that you can get your dancing shoes on to any of the rhythm-action titles on this list. But to really strut that funky stuff like you mean it then you’ll want to try Dance Central. Brought back to life just for Oculus’ headsets, a 32 song soundtrack covers the 1970s the way through to today’s chart-toppers. Routines have been choreographed for each song providing a nice full-body aerobic workout.
The application, available on Steam, can display a realtime overlay on any game with fitness and workout stats including calories burned. The YUR dashboard will also allow you to look at your workout history in VR, alongside personal achievements and leaderboards across VR games.
The application is designed to work with any VR game or experience and will allow you to estimate your calories burned while in VR. YUR claims that the calorie estimation is very accurate. This PC VR application continues YUR’s expansion across a range of VR headsets. In September, it launched a beta application for Oculus Quest that could similarly track calories across the headset, however, it could only be installed via SideQuest. Certain PC VR games, such as Synth Riders, also previously supported YUR integration, however this new YUR desktop app will work with any VR experience, without native developer integration required.
In addition to the new desktop app, YUR is also releasing a 2.0 update to the Quest version, which increases stability, accuracy, and visuals. The update will be available through SideQuest.
After the early access launch today, YUR will work on expanding the app to include a leveling system and integration with an accompanying website. These features are planned to be included in the full release when the app leaves early access in the new year.
Have you tried any of the YUR fitness trackers already? Let us know what you think.
VR is finding uses in everything from art and design to training, research, and entertainment. An unexpected byproduct of VR’s immersion is its ability to flip the notion of in-home entertainment being necessarily sedentary. With the right games and techniques, VR can be in fact be an excellent workout. Here we’re sharing a VR workout routine that’s designed to be as fun as it is physical and comprised of games compatible with all major headsets.
Updated – December 10th, 2021
Yes, there are dedicated VR apps specifically designed for fitness. But if you’re anything like me, the biggest challenge is not the ability to exercise, but maintaining consistent motivation. Luckily it’s easy to get yourself to workout if it’s a byproduct of something inherently fun—the difference between lifting weights vs. playing a sport.
So I’ve put together for myself a three-game VR workout routine in which none of the games are explicitly made for fitness (which means they focus first and foremost on fun), but combined with the right settings and technique can be a solid workout; here’s my FitBit tracked stats after a session.
Of course, what you get out of any workout depends on what you put in. Yes, you could play these games without putting in nearly this much effort, but I was playing for both fun and fitness, so I really put myself into my movements. I’ll explain below what kind of techniques will help you put the most into—and get the most out of—each game.
Since not all of these games are available on all VR platforms (we’ll note where you can find them), you can make up your own combination of games and time spent.
Grab a big cup of water (you will need it for breaks) and strap that headset on tight—here’s the rundown:
Beat Saber is a rhythm game that emphasises motion over timing. With a growing set of built-in tracks with polished beatmaps, it’s easy and fun to play, and very engaging trying to work your way up from Easy to Expert+ difficulty levels. Tracks vary in intensity, even at the same difficulty level; you’ll start to get a feel for which ones demand the most effort. [Read Our Beat Saber Review]
Settings & Technique
Play at the highest difficulty level that you’re comfortable with. Expert+ will of course be the most physical, and you should ideally build your way up to that, but even playing on Hard or Expert, the right technique will get your blood pumping. I highly suggest playing with ‘No Fail’ enabled; this will let you focus on fitness and flow rather than getting interrupted by failing a song.
The key is big swings. Keep your feet planted; focus less on your wrists and more on moving your arms. I find that the best way to have fun while putting in effort is to try to swing at each block with as much force as I can while still managing to reach the next block in time. The key is to smoothly move your swings from one block to the next; this makes a fun challenge where you need to strategize your movements to consider how to most efficiently move from one swing to the next even while making big, hard swings. When you really get into the zone you should feel that satisfying flow state that will carry you through.
You’ll want to take off the headset for a five minute cooldown and water break when you find yourself really out of breath. See if you can build yourself up to completing one entire ‘album’ before taking your break (albums have different lengths, so choose wisely).
Pistol Whip is a rhythm shooter focused on flow and target management rather than aiming precision. Enemies appear as you move forward through the level and it’s your job to dispatch them while also dodging their incoming fire. It might not look it at first glance, but because of the way you need to move to dodge incoming fire Pistol Whip can be a great leg workout, making it a perfect complement to Beat Saber. [Read our Pistol Whip Review]
Settings & Technique
Similar to Beat Saber, I highly recommend playing at the highest level you can and with ‘No Fail’ enabled; this will ensure you don’t get interrupted or frustrated by failing a level. Higher difficulty requires more movement and will provide a better workout. I also highly recommend the ‘Dual Wield’ mode, which will put a gun in each of your hands instead of just one. With two guns it’s easier to find that satisfying flow state that will keep you going.
The key for a good Pistol Whip workout is to keep your feet planted as often as possible. From here you’ll need to move your upper body around to dodge incoming fire as you return fire to kill enemies. Moving in this way will make great use of your legs. Don’t be afraid to get down real low to dodge—not only is it an effective technique for dodging, it’s also going to get those leg muscles flexing.
Listen to the music and keep your body moving to the beat. Combining your shooting and dodging into a continuous flowing motion is the key to fun and fitness in this game.
Until You Fall is a rogue-lite melee combat game in which you battle as far as you can until you inevitably perish. With each run you’ll earn money which can be used to buy and upgrade weapons to make you stronger for your next bout. Being a successful knight requires patience and strategy, making this a great cooldown game because you can flex your brain while your muscles wind down. [Read Our Until You Fall Review]
Settings & Technique
Just like Beat Saber the key here is to make big swings. This isn’t just for your workout though, bigger swings in Until You Fall mean more damage dealt to enemies, so you’re killing two birds with one stone.
In the game you can choose from a handful of weapons to hold in each hand. If you pick one of the ‘talisman’ items (which give stat boosts but cannot block or attack), you’ll be able to concentrate all of your physical effort into one arm. Try alternating the talisman into your opposite hand each time you die, this will force you to train up the coordination and muscle memory in your non-dominant hand which will help you in the game later if you switch back to using a weapon in each hand.
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Addendum
Mix it Up
The above is just a rough suggestion, modify the times to whatever feels suitable for you. If you want even more workout for your time, consider adding 10 crunches each time you have to take your headset off for a drink of water. In Until You Fall, consider adding your own fitness ‘penalty’ for dying (like 10 jumping jacks) to raise the stakes and make you fight harder to survive!
Wipe it Down
Don’t let your headset turn into a gnarly mess! After a good session you should definitely remove the headset’s face foam and give it a good squeeze down with a damp paper towel in hand, followed by a dry paper towel for any remaining moisture. Feel around the headset’s other straps to see if they need also need a wipe down. Your controllers may need some attention too.
Got suggestions for other great VR games which offer both fun and fitness? Drop them in the comments below!
Update (December 10th, 2021): Since originally publishing this article, all three games have become widely available on all major headsets! We’ve updated the article with the price of each game and links to each major platform, as well freshened up some links with our latest reviews.
VR workouts are increasingly common – whether it be through dedicated fitness games, boxing simulators, or even just an intense session in Beat Saber or Super Hot. However, Viro Move is a new fitness experience in VR that combines all of the above.
As previously announced, Viro Move has three primary game types, one involving shooting (like Audica), another boxing (like BoxVR), and a third involving slashing à la Beat Saber. However, in the new demo launch trailer, we’ve got our first look at a new mode that will have you quickly switch between shooting targets, boxing and slashing blocks – all in a single level, while getting your blood pumping.
As you can see from the trailer, the way the levels operate looks to be somewhat derivative. That being said, having to quickly switch from slicing to shooting to boxing provides a lot of a variety. The game also look slightly less rhythm-focused since you’ll also have to physically move around a lot more – unlike the occasional wall dodge in Beat Saber, they look much more common – and drastic – in Viro Move.
With these variations from the classic Beat Saber formula, it’s pretty easy to see how you might feel exhausted after a Viro Move session or two. You can view more footage of the game and its different modes on the Viro Move YouTube channel.
To help in this task without spending too much cash, 
BoxVR
Beat Saber
Thrill of the Fight
Sprint Vector
Synth Riders
Creed: Rise to Glory
Dance Central
