As VR (virtual reality) and AR (augmented reality) devices become more popular and widely available, more people are starting to use AR and VR fitness programs to train. However, which one is right for you?
VR fitness training is best for people who want to have fun while getting fit. AR fitness training is best for people who want to utilize fitness programs and tools like fitness mirrors or smart glasses. Both AR and VR fitness training programs connect to smartphones.
Keep reading to learn more about VR and AR fitness training.
VR Fitness Training
VR fitness training is often offered in the form of games. Some games such as Creed, Beat Saber, and Gorn can help you become more fit because as you play, your heartbeat raises. There are also fitness-centered games and programs that you can utilize, although the exact programs available may vary depending on the VR equipment you have.
VR fitness training involves a lot of cardio, so it isn’t the best fitness training if you want to build muscle. However, you can hold weights and wear ankle weights while you are playing VR fitness games if you want to gradually increase your strength.
One of the benefits of using VR to exercise is that it allows you to do a variety of exercises and workouts in the comfort of your own home, even when your VR headset makes you feel like you aren’t at home.
Another benefit of using VR to exercise is that you can receive personalized fitness plans. Due to the sensors in the VR headset and equipment, fitness instructors and programs can track your movements and give you feedback that can help you improve your form. If you are beginning your fitness journey, this feedback will be especially helpful.
AR Fitness Training
AR fitness training is slightly different than VR fitness training. AR fitness training often involves the use of fitness or smart mirrors, smartphones, or smart glasses, whereas VR products often use smartphones to help you reach your fitness goals.
Many people consider AR fitness training to feel more like a game rather than a fitness regimen. However, there are AR fitness programs that are not designed to look or feel like games. This allows you to choose what type of AR fitness program is best for you.
With AR fitness training, you can meet with fitness instructors whenever, wherever, although where you use your AR equipment will vary depending on the equipment you have. As long as you have plenty of space to move around, you should be able to safely use AR fitness equipment such as fitness or smart mirrors.
AR fitness training equipment is extremely easy to use, especially if you use smart glasses. If you use smart glasses, you can complete your fitness training regimen anywhere at any time. You can even complete it outside.
Which Type of Fitness Training Is Right For You?
To help you decide if AR or VR fitness training is right for you, let’s talk about the differences between the two.
AR fitness training isn’t as immersive as VR fitness training. With VR fitness training, as with VR fitness training, you have to wear a VR headset. With AR fitness training, you don’t have to wear a headset. Instead, you use a smartphone, smart glasses, or a smart or fitness mirror. If you want to do fitness training while being immersed in a different reality, VR fitness training will be best for you.
When you use AR fitness training, you are more aware of the world around you than if you use VR fitness training.
You can use AR and VR fitness training programs anywhere at any time, but when you use either program, you need to have plenty of space around you so you don’t accidentally run into something and get hurt. AR fitness programs can be used safely in more places because they don’t require you to use a headset that will block your vision.
AR training might be best if you are strength training, although you will need to use non-AR equipment. Both AR and VR equipment will help you maintain and perfect your form.
Both VR and AR programs can make exercise feel like you are playing games rather than exercising. However, VR programs have more games that you can work out during. On the other hand, AR programs have more fitness-related apps and equipment. This means that if you want to purchase AR or VR equipment because you want to use it to help you exercise, you should purchase AR equipment. On the other hand, if you mainly want to use AR or VR equipment to play games and sometimes exercise, you should purchase VR equipment.
If you want to work out or train with other people, especially in person, AR fitness training will suit your needs better than VR fitness training. While you can meet and train with fitness trainers with either program, AR equipment can allow you to work out with a person that is in the same room as you. If you wanted to work out with someone in the same room as you using a VR fitness training program, you would both need a VR headset, which is not always possible.
Overall, it is ultimately up to you whether you use AR or VR fitness training programs. There seem to be more fitness-focused programs and apps available for AR equipment, which may be helpful if you want to improve multiple aspects of your physical fitness. However, if you want to have fun while exercising, or simply want to play games and potentially burn calories and raise your heart rate while doing so, a VR fitness training program might be the best option for you.
The type of fitness training program that you choose will also vary depending on your budget and the reality-changing equipment that you already have access to. Keep in mind that you may have to pay a subscription in order to access certain AR or VR fitness training programs.
