Most individuals are aware of regular exercise’s positive effects on physical and mental health. However, finding the motivation or energy can be difficult because the grind of work and life can frequently push wellness and health to the bottom of the priority list.
This is why Meta Platforms Inc. introduced ‘Supernatural’ to assist fitness enthusiasts in their workout routine. If you are unfamiliar with Supernatural, it is a virtual reality (VR) fitness game.
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Background of the VR fitness device
Supernatural is a virtual reality-based home fitness, health, and wellness service that pairs real-life trainers with rhythm-mapped workouts in stunning settings. Users can take VR exercises in exotic destinations while confined to their homes.
The virtual reality (VR) fitness app – Supernatural, which had been in development for two years, was published in April 2020 by Within Unlimited Inc., coinciding with the global lockdown caused by COVID-19 before Meta acquired it in February 2023.
Scientific backing of the VR fitness device
A recent study by the University of Victoria, Canada, assessed the emotional impact of VR fitness apps on people. Twenty-four users of the Supernatural app were studied. Various physical activity and fitness metrics, such as heart rate, calories burnt, and mood swings, were recorded.
The outcomes demonstrate that using the VR app can be a beneficial kind of physical exercise, with outcomes akin to running or finishing a high-intensity interval training programme, and it may even positively affect mental and physical health.
When using a VR programme like this one, you get the impression that you are either on a stunning beach or in the middle of Antarctica. That can enhance the experience, according to Dr Ryan Rhodes, a member of the research study group, who notes that as programmes get more complex and immersive, they emphasise whole-body movement, including cardiovascular exercise and the activation of various muscle groups.
As technology progresses, the experience is like running, brisk walking, or bike riding—high-quality cardiovascular activity, says Tabitha Craig (another group member). The activity also enhances participants’ mental health and fitness.
After their workout sessions, “participants reported feeling more vigorous, full of pep, and active,” she says. Ultimately, the VR fitness software may serve as a “gateway activity” that encourages users to exercise in a private, secure environment.
The study compared the Supernatural VR workout to popular cardio and fitness exercises like swimming, boxing, and running. This indicates that Supernatural can assist individuals in meeting their weekly requirements for physical activity, which calls for 75 minutes of intense activity and 150 minutes of low to moderate-intensity activity in half the time.
The study shows that Supernatural is an exercise programme with scientific backing that can form a vital component of a regular, healthy cardio regimen.
Supernatural’s Co-founder and Head of Fitness reacts
“A widespread misperception exists that exercise must involve no pain, no gain,” explains Leanne Pedante, Head of Fitness at Supernatural. “This study demonstrates that you can maintain the level of energy expenditure while still enjoying the happiness and enjoyment that many people associate with their Supernatural fitness regimen.”
According to Aaron Koblin, co-founder of Supernatural, “We’ve always believed that the best workout is the one you do. Supernatural was created to improve lives by making movement accessible, enjoyable, and fun.”
To make users’ experience more exciting, Supernatural is introducing a new mixed reality function that allows you to exercise and yet see your immediate surroundings. Thanks to Passthrough, you can now meet your life-sized Supernatural Coach in your living room while you warm up, stretch, and move more comfortably and confidently while you squat, duck, and smash targets to the beat.
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Users share their experiences
As she approached her 45th birthday, Jessa Ann had been out of the running game for three years. Before Supernatural, she didn’t enjoy exercising, but now she describes herself as a cardio machine. She recently recorded a 12.5% improvement over her previous PR of 4.0 miles, running 4.5 miles nonstop and finishing the day with 5.21 miles.
She states, “This run wasn’t just about hitting a number.” “It was evidence of my perseverance, development, and the life-changing potential of regular training with Supernatural.”
After utilising Supernatural for 11 months, Joseph Hill lost weight, started jogging a 5K every month, and reached the 500K point mark.
He declares, “I want to encourage anyone who has started this journey and celebrate the phenomenal gift this has been to me.” If you can’t even go through an exercise on L, that’s okay. If you are persistent, eventually, even the Pros Only will find it easy.
