Virtual Reality (VR) Workouts: The Future of Fitness or Just Another Trend?

The fitness world is constantly evolving, with new trends promising to revolutionize the way we train. The latest buzz? Virtual Reality (VR) workouts—a high-tech approach that immerses users in digital fitness environments, making exercise feel like a game-like adventure rather than a repetitive chore.

With major names like Jane Fonda partnering with Meta Quest’s Supernatural app, VR workouts are gaining momentum. But is this the next big thing in fitness or just another passing trend? More importantly, will this cross over into personal fitness training, (spoiler alert, it won't be included in my personal training!) or will it simply be an interference?

At Dennis Romatz, (old school personal trainer), I like to keep it real...simple...back to basics without the gimmicks. So, I thought I'd take a deep dive into VR workouts and see what the buzz is all about.

Another spoiler alert, I'm on the fence and leaning towards "you can keep it". My personal training program is all about being hands-on, ensuring proper form, and technique, and, well, I'm not sure this is that. Let's get in there and see for ourselves!

MetaQuest 3

What Are VR Workouts?

VR workouts are fitness programs designed to be performed in a virtual environment using a VR headset and motion-tracking controllers.

These workouts are meant to simulate real-world training while making fitness more engaging and interactive.

VR fitness integrates virtual reality technology with exercise routines, allowing users to engage in workouts through headsets like Meta Quest, HTC Vive, and PlayStation VR.

These workouts range from boxing, HIIT, and dance routines to immersive scenic experiences where users can punch targets, dodge obstacles, or even meditate in a peaceful virtual world.

Who Is VR Fitness For?

VR workouts can cater to a broad audience, but their effectiveness depends on the individual’s fitness level, age, and goals:

• Kids & Youth – VR fitness can be a fun, engaging way for kids to stay active. Games like Beat Saber and VR boxing encourage movement, but parental supervision is necessary due to screen time concerns.

• Beginners – Perfect for those intimidated by the gym, VR workouts offer a low-pressure, gamified fitness experience that makes exercise more accessible and enjoyable.

• Intermediate Users – Those who already have some training experience can benefit from VR-guided HIIT workouts, boxing drills, and functional movement exercises, but may still need real-world resistance training for optimal results.

• Advanced & Pro Athletes – VR may not yet be suitable for serious lifters or athletes who need progressive overload, barbell training, or high-intensity conditioning. However, some VR applications offer sport-specific training for agility, reaction time, and coordination.

• Seniors – VR fitness can be a low-impact, safe workout option for older adults, promoting mobility, balance, and cognitive engagement. Apps like Tai Chi VR and Supernatural's low-impact mode can help seniors stay active without the risk of heavy lifting. HOWEVER, it is vitally important for seniors to only engage in VR workouts where they have solid, stable balance to ensure liability-free, and injury-free training.

While VR fitness is adaptable, it’s not a complete replacement for traditional training—especially for those looking for muscle growth, athletic performance, or strength gains.

VR Fitness Devices: Companies and Costs

Several companies are leading the charge in developing VR fitness equipment. Here are some top-rated VR devices and their price points:

1. Meta Quest 3

$499 – A standalone VR headset with high-resolution visuals and a powerful processor, ideal for both beginners and experienced users.🔗 PCMag Review

2. Sony PlayStation VR2

$399.99 – Designed for PlayStation 5 users, featuring a 4K HDR OLED display and advanced haptic feedback.🔗 The Verge Report

3. Apple Vision Pro

$3,499 – A premium VR device with dual micro-OLED displays offering 4K resolution per eye, integrated with Apple’s ecosystem.🔗 Vocal Media Overview

4. HTC Vive XR Elite

$1,099 – A versatile headset that supports both standalone and PC-powered VR experiences, featuring a compact design and mixed reality capabilities.🔗 Vocal Media Overview

5. Pico 5

TBD – An alternative to the Meta Quest series, the Pico 5 offers a 4K resolution display and a standalone design, appealing to a diverse user base.🔗 Vocal Media Overview

Where Can You Do VR Workouts?

One of the biggest advantages of VR workouts is that they can be done almost anywhere. Whether you want to train at home, in a gym, or even in a designated VR studio, there are multiple options available:

• At Home – The most common place to do VR workouts is in your living room, garage, or home gym. All you need is a VR headset, some space to move, and a subscription to a VR fitness app like Supernatural, FitXR, or Les Mills XR Bodycombat.

• In the Gym – Some modern gyms and boutique fitness centers are starting to integrate VR fitness as part of their workout offerings. Certain high-end fitness clubs offer VR cycling, boxing, and interactive training programs in a structured class format.

• VR Arcades & Studios – Some cities now have VR arcades or fitness studios that allow users to rent VR fitness equipment and experience guided virtual workouts in a professional environment.

• Office & Corporate Wellness Programs – Some companies are adopting VR fitness as part of their corporate wellness programs, allowing employees to take VR fitness breaks in designated areas during work hours.

These options provide flexibility, making VR workouts accessible whether you prefer to train alone at home or in a structured gym setting.

Popular VR Workouts & Examples

• Supernatural – A full-body workout app combining HIIT, cardio, and strength movements in scenic VR environments. This program features guided coaching and is ideal for beginners and intermediate users.

• Thrill of the Fight – A boxing simulation that requires realistic movement, head dodges, and proper striking, making it great for cardio and endurance training.

• Beat Saber – A rhythm-based VR game that gets players moving through coordinated strikes and dodges, offering a fun cardio alternative.

• VZFit – A cycling-based VR workout that allows users to ride through scenic real-world routes, combining cycling and interactive game elements.

• FitXR – A structured VR fitness program offering HIIT, boxing, dance, and strength training classes designed by fitness professionals.

• Holofit – A rowing, skiing, and cycling VR app designed to mimic real-life training scenarios and improve endurance.

These VR workout examples show that virtual reality training can be integrated into fitness, but how does this relate to personal training and personal trainers?

VR Workouts vs. Traditional Personal Training

As a personal trainer, I see both potential and challenges when it comes to VR workouts in a structured training program.

While VR fitness offers an engaging, gamified approach, it lacks some of the core fundamentals of personal training, such as:

• Hands-on corrections – Personal trainers provide real-time form adjustments to prevent injury, which VR currently cannot replicate.

• Progressive overload & strength training – VR workouts primarily focus on cardio, agility, and endurance rather than resistance training.

• Customized workout programming – A personal trainer builds a structured, periodized plan for individual goals, while VR fitness follows pre-set routines.

• Motivation & accountability – While VR provides AI coaching, nothing replaces the human connection and accountability of working with a real personal trainer.

This raises the big question: Will VR workouts ever replace traditional personal training, or will they remain a supplementary tool?

Final Verdict: Game-Changer or Gimmick?

At this point, VR fitness could go either way. If the technology evolves, becomes more affordable, and integrates with proven training methods, it could be a legitimate tool for fitness enthusiasts.

But if it simply adds more fluff and distraction, it may become just another hyped-up trend that fades into the background.

Our advice? Stay open-minded, but don’t abandon the fundamentals. Fitness has always been—and will always be—about discipline, effort, and smart training.

What do you think? Will VR successfully cross over into personal fitness training, or will it just be another interference? Drop your thoughts below!

Want to leave the VR workouts to the trendy folks and get back to basics with real, solid, in-person personal training? Ya, I thought so!

I offer free trial sessions. My results-based in person personal training programs, and online training (the REAL virtual training experience!) come with a money-back guarantee!

Contact me to get started with real training now!

About the Author

Dennis Romatz is a certified personal trainer, nutrition coach, and fitness author. Dennis is regarded as one of the world's leading holistic fitness professionals and has been recognized as "one of the 20 best personal trainers in the world" by The Institute of Personal Trainers. You can contact Dennis on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and Instagram.ld's leading holistic fitness professionals, and has been recognized as "one of the 20 best personal trainers in the world" by The Institute of Personal Trainers. You can contact Dennis on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and Instagram.