I tried an Oculus Quest for working out — and it saved my fitness routine


The issue with a health routine is simply that — it is a routine. And it will possibly get uninteresting and boring in a short time. I get pleasure from new challenges and improvements in terms of my exercises, and I am trying to change issues up with colder climate protecting me at dwelling extra typically. That is why I eagerly tried Supernatural, a digital actuality (VR) health app for the Oculus Quest.

On October 26, Supernatural launched its latest modality, boxing, to affix its library of full-body cardio exercises. Obtain the app to an Oculus and in minutes, you may throwing punches within the secure confines of your private home health club (or on this small residence dweller’s case, my lounge). 

I used to be just a little doubtful at first that I may really work up a sweat utilizing VR, however I can inform you: I did and I ended up loving the mix of breathtaking settings, the number of soundtracks, peppy and inspiring trainers and the distinctive qualities afforded by 360-degree digital actuality. Greater than that, the sheer enjoyable of it completely saved my exercise routine from falling right into a rut.

Supernatural on Oculus Quest, defined

Supernatural is an app for the Oculus Quest that prices $18.99 per 30 days or $179.99 per yr. In case you’ve ever tried Beat Saber, it is considerably comparable. 

Their motto is “Exercise close to, go far” as a result of all of their packages happen in high-definition, 360-degree areas from Chichen Itza to Dying Valley to the moon (actually — it is constructed from NASA panoramas and pictures of the 1969 moon touchdown). The classes are guided by coaches, every with their very own specialties and kinds. 

Like different linked health apps, Supernatural comes with a companion cell app that means that you can add associates, preserve rating and share photographs and movies of your exercise. It’s also suitable with Apple Watch and most main health trackers. 

Their first modality, Supernatural Circulation, entails swinging with lightsaber-like bats at flying orbs. Whenever you first get a began, an teacher guides you thru smashing the orbs with totally different palms, squatting and turning round within the space you have designated as your Oculus play space.

Supernatural Boxing is comparable, however you punch along with your palms as an alternative of swinging bats. You throw jabs, crosses and hooks on the orbs, whereas ducking and weaving beneath flying bars. 

In each, you’re employed out to over 1,000 hit songs from all genres, together with pop, rap, rock, nation and even classical and jazz. The app additionally provides meditation and restoration classes.

To date, Circulation has 400-500 exercises, with new ones launch each day. Boxing launched with eight exercises and can add new choices each week. (Study extra at GetSupernatural.com)

My Supernatural exercise left me sweating

A woman punches orbs in Supernatural workout GIF

(Picture credit score: Supernatural)

After downloading Supernatural to an Oculus Quest headset, I took a brief quiz about my health degree and preferences. Then, I fired up a Getting Began program led by Leanne Pedante, Supernatural’s head of health and a Muay Thai athlete. After a fast warm-up and instruction, I discovered myself within the Yuanyang Rice Terraces of China and holding two bats — a white one in my proper hand, a black one in my left hand. To the vigorous beats of “Strolling on Sunshine” and “Tackle Me,” I swung my bats on the orbs flying towards me, matching the bat to the colour of the orb. 

In my ear, Leanne relayed useful suggestions and methods, resembling swinging all through and pivoting to a brand new orb-releasing portal. 

After I felt snug with the actions, I attempted out one of many new boxing packages. This was a low-intensity exercise known as Boxing Fundamentals, led by Mark Harari and set within the Advert Deir within the historical Jordanian metropolis of Petra. The thumping soundtrack included Kanye West’s All the Gentle’s and Lupe Fiasco’s Famous person. 

Even at low depth, my coronary heart fee began rising as I started jabbing on the orbs and weaving beneath and to the aspect of incoming bars. After the 20-minute session (together with warm-up and funky down), I left barely breathless and sweaty — the perfect consequence for primary cardio. Different, high-intensity classes left me respiratory closely and perspiring profusely. I used to be drained however exhilarated in the way in which {that a} good exercise ought to make you’re feeling.

Demo of boxing program in Supernatural app on Oculus

(Picture credit score: Kelly Woo/Tom’s Information)

Digital actuality health might get me by means of winter 

The VR aspect is what separates Supernatural from following alongside to an teacher on a YouTube video. Within the case of the latter, I am by no means positive if I am doing one thing correctly or if my type is correct. I simply copy their actions as finest as I can. With Supernatural, I felt like I achieved a greater stance just because I needed to time my punches and swings to smash orbs, pivot to succeed in others, and duck a certain quantity and in a sure route to keep away from bars. 

Supernatural units itself other than a few of the different VR health apps with their beautiful visuals. Each time I placed on a brand new exercise, I eagerly waited to see the place it was happening. I used to be delighted that almost all exercises push you to pivot and switch, so you may absorb your entire 360-degree expertise. It actually did really feel like I used to be touring all over the world to work out.

Except for the satisfaction of a correct exercise, I additionally had a blast. The classes had the texture of a recreation — form of like taking part in Fruit Ninja however in 3-D. Whereas I did not preserve rating with associates or vie for a spot on a leaderboard, I celebrated every time I achieved 100% accuracy on strikes.

With winter approaching, I do know I will be much less inclined to go outdoors to work out (and I’ve utterly given up my health club membership). I used to be resigned to the identical outdated routine of jogging on my treadmill, however now I can sweat on a Tibetan glacier. Ain’t know-how grand? 



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