{"id":4127,"date":"2022-06-01T12:00:00","date_gmt":"2022-06-01T12:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/alternative-spaces.com\/blog\/?p=4127"},"modified":"2023-05-12T09:03:45","modified_gmt":"2023-05-12T09:03:45","slug":"why-and-how-to-implement-vr-and-ar-in-fitness-in-2022","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/alternative-spaces.com\/blog\/why-and-how-to-implement-vr-and-ar-in-fitness-in-2022\/","title":{"rendered":"Why and How to Implement VR and AR in Fitness in 2022"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

After articles about immersive technologies in entertainment<\/a>, marketing<\/a>, retail<\/a>, education<\/a>, art and museums<\/a>, employee training<\/a>, healthcare<\/a>, construction<\/a>, and other industries<\/a>, we dedicate this post to the adoption of virtual and augmented reality in fitness.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

AR and VR deliver real-time immersive experiences with the help of various devices. AR superimposes digital imagery on the physical environment and objects viewed through a device, such as a smartphone camera or smart glasses. VR allows interactions with virtual objects in completely made-up environments using a headset, controllers, and wearables.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The global online\/virtual fitness market size was valued at $6,046 million<\/a> in 2019 and was projected to grow at a CAGR of 33% until reaching $59,231 million by 2027. During the pandemic, workouts moved outside or into people\u2019s living rooms and backyards, aided by online videos, live-streams, and mobile fitness apps<\/a>. After gyms re-opened, some people continued to enjoy working out in the safety and comfort of their homes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, while these media help access training sessions, plan workouts, and keep pace, their limitations don\u2019t allow for improving a user\u2019s technique. This is what the latest AR applications are made for. Simultaneously, virtual reality offers games and entertainment that can help most sedentary people burn calories and change the overall perception of fitness.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This article is for entrepreneurs interested in leveraging AR and VR for fitness and sports. We\u2019ll list their benefits and primary use cases and briefly explain how app developers can enrich their offer with immersive experiences. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Nuances and Benefits of Using Virtual and <\/strong>Augmented Reality in Fitness<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The differences in the interaction with the real world determine the different ways to use AR and VR for exercising.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In a virtual workout environment, a user\u2019s body becomes the controller. For instance, if their character in a boxing game punches an opponent, the user has to move in real life. VR headsets blocking the light and real world from the wearer\u2019s view and claiming their full attention essentially preclude interaction with physical objects and persons. This may cause dizziness in some users and pose safety risks when users work out. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

An AR headset or smart glasses let wearers stay present in the physical world and aware of the current situation while acting as a co-pilot during workouts. For example, users can project a coach\u2019s hologram in their living room or watch a coach performing the correct form in front of them while viewing their heartbeat rate and other indicators on the smart glasses\u2019 lens.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

AR fitness applications can also run on mobile devices, but carrying a smartphone and sticking one\u2019s eyes to the screen all the time while exercising is counterproductive, if not dangerous. For this reason, we can expect the growth of safer and more efficient hands-free solutions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Modern AR headsets already have lighter, more sunglass-like designs that prevent sweat deposits and facilitate cleanup. This makes them suitable for fitness and active gaming. Lightweight devices with dual wireless controllers with six degrees of freedom (6 DoF) that allow for accurate movement tracking along six axes to pinpoint the position and orientation of the user\u2019s hands promote further adoption of AR in fitness. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

5G speeds will support advances in SLAM (Simultaneous Localization And Mapping), better software and lightweight standalone AR headsets, and their uses beyond the limits of WiFi, such as outdoor workouts and sports.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Meanwhile, the application of VR and AR in fitness already makes exercising more fun, engaging, and effective, overcoming most of the cited obstacles to exercising<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Convenience<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Finding time to attend a gym may be challenging with busy schedules. Some people are still hesitant about crowded spaces. AR and VR can partly simulate a gym experience; the trend accelerated during the pandemic, but its benefits remain relevant. It\u2019s easier to don a VR headset or smart glasses than go to the gym or even search for videos. Users can work out, often without any sports equipment, at whatever time and location they like. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Apathy and shyness prevent many people from exercising at gyms. With fitness VR, users don\u2019t need to travel there at fixed times and interact with coaches and others. Instead, they can work out as much as they want, at their own pace, in the privacy of their home, without any embarrassment or peer pressure. Moreover, they can do so in short increments, e.g., several 10-minute game sessions throughout the day. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Immersive technologies enable people to create a favorite customized workout environment anywhere, e.g., on a trip.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Efficiency<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

AR and VR applications can make exercising easier by offering instructional videos and real-time guidance through each phase of a training session. They can also feature reminders that promote regular exercise.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

San Francisco State University researchers found<\/a> that “moderate to vigorous intensity” exercise occurs when people engage in certain kinds of VR-based video games. Occasionally<\/a>, it may burn as many calories as a medium to intense exercise.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Some VR games weren\u2019t initially made for fitness but gradually have earned a reputation as engaging and engrossing calorie-burners. More games are specifically designed to get players up and moving and steadily pump up the action to maximize heart rate. Such programs focusing on cardiovascular exercise and getting the muscles working can rival the most intense spin class or group workout setting for overall fitness benefits.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

There is also a link between physical activity and improvements in patients with depression, anxiety, and PTSD, so it might be beneficial to include AR\/VR features in mental health apps<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

VR hardware designed to track a wearer\u2019s most minute movements is excellent for tracking workouts. AR\/VR-enabled apps and devices can record more real-time data, e.g., the number of steps, kilometers done, time taken, speed, calories burned, etc., to help users adjust the intensity of their workouts, assess their effectiveness, track progress, and compare with others.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For example, a wearable device integrated with AR can help users maintain the heart rate at a level appropriate for their age and ensure they work hard enough without over-straining. Having these details at one\u2019s fingertips is crucial for athletes. Coaches can also analyze a recorded workout session to point out mistakes and make recommendations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Motivation<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Studies<\/a> suggest that 44% of inactive people don\u2019t exercise because it is not fun. People quickly get bored with repetitive tasks. Gyms and health clubs may utilize VR technology to make exercises more exciting and AR to make workouts more enjoyable, effective, and safe.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Immersion in a virtual environment and engagement with a game prevents the brain from noticing exercise-induced pain, discomfort, and how hard the body works. Most players reportedly<\/a> estimate their perceived exertion as lower than what it is. When people are doing something they enjoy, rather than counting and pushing through the pain of one more rep, they are more likely to repeat the experience and eventually build a habit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Users can exercise in virtual reality both solo, which helps build beginners\u2019 confidence, and with virtual crowds or real people, which can be more motivating.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A VR game can also be highly addictive, as players try to improve their scores each time. Competition against other people isn\u2019t always a part of traditional workouts, but some games offer this opportunity, which makes players work out harder to improve their indicators and scores and increase their position on the scoreboard. Seeing their progress can inspire them to keep going and reach their fitness goals.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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These benefits translate into the following significant advantages for fitness companies and app developers:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Enhanced brand visibility<\/strong>. The application of state-of-the-art technology attracts the attention of younger, tech-savvy, and affluent audiences. It also creates a reputation of a modern brand offering the best experiences for its customers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Competitive advantage<\/strong>. All of the stimulating immersive experiences, gamification, efficiency, and other benefits delivered by AR\/VR features can make a fitness app more useful and valuable than the competitors\u2019 offers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Reaching new audiences<\/strong>. VR is often perceived as geared toward the \u201cgamer\u201d demographic, especially teens and people in their 20s. Fitness-oriented VR games can thus entice users who wouldn\u2019t think about extra activities otherwise. VR-enabled home workouts will appeal to people that feel intimidated to exercise in public, and sensors, navigation, and statistics \u2013 to professional athletes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Dynamic VR workouts of different types can cater to people of all shapes, skill levels, and ages. Customers happy with your innovative and delightful fitness experience will likely share it on social media and recommend it to their friends, colleagues, and followers, bringing you new customers. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Higher customer engagement<\/strong>. The adoption of AR and VR in fitness centers can encourage more customers to attend regularly and continue with their workouts. The additional value in your fitness product will persuade them to stay with you longer. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Turning workouts into games allows app developers to capitalize on the human desire for instant rewards and achievements instead of waiting for weeks to see the results of workouts. The exclusive focus, more enjoyable process, and perceived lower exertion during VR games mean that players can play and stick with a game longer. So do the abilities to live-stream, record, and share workouts, and to exercise together with friends, family, and others digitally. This leads to better customer retention, higher revenue per customer, and other key indicators. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Higher revenue. <\/strong>Gyms and fitness clubs employing AR and VR technology to make exercises more fun, effective, and safe for members will be able to increase their earnings. A provider delivering a higher quality service that puts it ahead of the game can raise the prices. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Now that you know some of the benefits of AR\/VR features for workout app developers, businesses, and consumers, let us classify the ways to leverage those features.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Use Cases for Augmented and <\/strong>Virtual Reality Fitness App Development<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Virtual coach<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

People choosing to exercise at home may practice high-intensity interval training (HIIT), yoga, or Pilates with the help of VR headsets and virtual coaches.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For example, FitXR<\/a> offers boxing, HIIT, and dance workouts varying in length from minutes to an hour for beginners, intermediate, and advanced users. A team of professional fitness instructors designed and choreographed them to offer a new class every day of the week. Users can choose the virtual environments and burn calories and improve their strength to new tracks from popular artists on their own or with up to six friends in real time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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