Why Your Next Fitness Class Could Be a Virtual One Virtual reality isn't just for gamers anymore.

By Reuters

This story originally appeared on Reuters

Virtual reality is making inroads into group fitness classes and personal training sessions and promises to get more immersive as the technology advances, according to fitness experts.

It can transport an indoor cyclist in snowy Minnesota to Miami Beach or drop a novice into the middle of a three-dimensional exercise class that was taped days ago and miles away.

Anytime Fitness, a worldwide franchise, uses automated kiosks to screen immersive classes from indoor cycling to yoga.

"We have doubled down on our concentration of virtual fitness," said Shannon Fable, corporate director of programing. "It's an electronic way to deliver reliable, affordable group fitness for free."

Fable, who is based in Boulder, Colorado, said virtual fitness is also popular in personal training and kiosks provide classes during off-peak afternoon hours.

"With virtual group fitness, if you're nervous or scared, you can do it over and over," she explained.

Virtual exercise in the form of instructors and classes projected onto a screen has already penetrated some 3,000 clubs worldwide, according to IHRSA (International Health, Racquet & Sportsclub Association).

Zumba, the dance party workout, has been demonstrating a 360-degree virtual reality class, delivered via a clunky headset, to industry insiders at professional trade shows. Alberto Perlman, the CEO of Miami-based Zumba Fitness, expects to have a consumer-friendly version in 2016.

"We envision as the headsets get lighter and the technology gets better, you'll be able to be in a Zumba class at home," he said. "The average person will go into a store, buy a piece of elastic casing, put it on their phone, and download the class."

He also expects the cost of the headset, now about $200 dollars, to drop significantly. The virtual reality technology is also expected to attract more men to Zumba.

Endri Tolka, co-founder of YouVisit, the New York-based virtual reality content company that partnered with Zumba for the class, agrees that the virtual reality experience will only get better.

"Right now your brain has a tough time making the connection with the real world but starting next year it will be a more normal experience," he said.

Tolka believes virtual reality will revolutionize fitness.

"Down the line you'll be getting on a cycling machine, putting the headsets on, and loading up the Tour de France or a beach in California," he said. "And you will feel as if you're there in your brain."

Wavy Line

Editor's Pick

A Leader's Most Powerful Tool Is Executive Capital. Here's What It Is — and How to Earn It.
Lock
One Man's Casual Side Hustle Became an International Phenomenon — And It's on Track to See $15 Million in Revenue This Year
Lock
3 Reasons to Keep Posting on LinkedIn, Even If Nobody Is Engaging With You
Why a Strong Chief Financial Officer Is Crucial for Your Franchise — and What to Look for When Hiring One

Related Topics

Business News

7 of the 10 Most Expensive Cities to Live in the U.S. Are in One State

A new report by U.S. News found that San Diego is the most expensive city to live in for 2023-2024, followed by Los Angeles. New York City didn't even rank in the top 10.

Business News

More Americans Are Retiring Abroad, Without a Massive Nest Egg — Here's How They Made the Leap

About 450,000 people received their social security benefits outside the U.S. at the end of 2021, up from 307,000 in 2008, according to the Social Security Administration.

Business News

Goldman Sachs Is Continuing Layoffs, Cutting Free Coffee Perks

The financial giant delivered another hot cup of bad news.

Business News

How to Set Boundaries With Your Team While You're on Vacation

Are you one of those leaders who just can't seem to detach from "work mode" even when you're sitting on a beach in Hawaii? Here's how to ensure both you and your team can thrive when you're on vacation.

Business News

Lululemon Employees Say They Were Fired for Trying to Stop Shoplifters

Two Georgia women say Lululemon fired them without severance for trying to get thieves out of the store.