Sydney woman shares experience using virtual reality set to workout

A Sydney-based woman has revealed the unusual workout routine that left her sweaty and red faced after just 15 minutes.

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The first time I tried a virtual reality headset, I got so overwhelmed and dizzy that I felt like I was going to throw up. I sincerely hoped this time would be different.

I was taking part in a Les Mills BodyCombat class – not at my local gym or on the Les Mills app as I’d done in the past – but using the latest headset from HTC called the VIVE XR Elite.

After setting up the headset, drawing my boundary that would turn off the goggles if I stepped outside of it and locking up my cats for safety reasons, I got going.

I’ll admit I’m not the best with technology but after the set up it was pretty easy to get into it. The BodyCombat class loaded and I was on my way. It was a really fun, gamified version of the classes I had done in real life.

It made it super easy to get into. Instead of just squatting or performing a slip, I was actually dodging objects. When I punched, I was punching barriers.

Sydney woman shares experience using virtual reality set to workout. Picture: news.com.au

Claudia tested out the VIVE XR Elite. Picture: news.com.au

For every barrier I successfully hit or object I dodged, my score would go up. Exercising felt enjoyable this way, but also like it moved by really quickly.

Often times I find myself looking towards a clock counting down the seconds until a class is over. I felt with the VR version 15 minutes was over before I knew it. I didn’t feel dizzy or nauseous.

It was clear a lot had changed in the seven years since I’d last tried a virtual reality head set. It wasn’t as overwhelming to the senses, it was simply stepping into a new world.

But, as much fun as it was, there were definitely some down sides.

I sweat really easily and BodyCombat has a lot of movement. I felt like the headset kept moving around and fogging up.

Hydrating is also a must and taking some time to sit down after your workout to readjust to life without the headset.

With technology such as this, there is also typically a higher price tag attached. The headset doesn’t cost anymore than a really good laptop – typically retailing for $2099 – but it is a consideration to be made.

Overall, she found the experience enjoyable. Picture: news.com.au

Thomas Dexmier, HTC VIVE’s ANZ Country Manager, told news.com.au: “Virtual reality provides a gateway into highly immersive experiences, incorporating music, graphics and tactical cues to enable users to dive into virtual worlds from the comfort of their homes.

“This can be particularly useful when it comes to fitness and wellness.

“While working out to a video or listening to a meditation can feel stale and repetitive, apps like Les Mills BodyCombat and AtOne provide a unique 360 experience, with virtual instructors and new content to keep things feeling fresh. Additionally, because the VIVE XR Elite offers mixed and full VR, users can experience the content how they like.”

He said HTC VIVE has been a pioneer of the XR since its origins and have continued to improve on it.

Mr Dexmier agreed that gamification is a great way to make routine feel fun, and in VR it's a great way to complement someone’s existing training program.

“There’s a vast potential for the role that mixed and virtual reality can play in enhancing wellness, productivity and more — it’s even being used in space on-board the International Space Station to support fitness and mental health,” he said.

A view of the Les Mills class. Picture: Supplied

“And as the technology continues to develop, we’re excited to find new ways to enrich people’s lives and unlock the possibilities of XR.

“Over the last few years alone, Virtual and Mixed Reality headsets have become autonomous while remaining versatile, lighter, yet more powerful, more comfortable and more inclusive, opening up the possibilities for groundbreaking and engaging experiences. I’m excited to see what comes next.”

He said to get the most out of it people should get a personalised fit, like for instance if someone wants to use their VIVE for physical activity they need a headset that has a balanced weight distribution to create the most natural body posture.

Boundaries on the floor should also be drawn properly and it’s important to be aware of the space around you.