Who knew that there would be a day when gaming would go hand-in-hand with physical fitness?
Thanks to VR fitness games, you can find exercising to be more fun and squeezing more workouts in as a result.
From boxing to overcoming obstacles and sword fighting, you won’t have a “boring” workout anymore.
Plus, with the cool graphics and friendly challenges, Virtual Reality fitness games provide that extra motivation everyone needs to keep going.
Most of the games I’ve listed below are available on:
And if you’re a heavy sweater, don’t forget to check out these VR accessories built for hygiene and extra comfort purposes.
So without any further ado, here is my review of Top 10 VR fitness games in 2019.
1. PowerBeatsVR
When it comes to high-energy virtual workouts, PowerBeatsVR will no doubt break you into a sweat.
Make sure you have a bottle of water close by before starting the game!
Unlike other VR fitness games where you’re only required to swing your arms around,
PowerBeatsVR almost gives you a full body workout by forcing you to
- Punch
- Move
- Squat
- Sidestep
to avoid a series of obstacles to the pumping sounds of the music in the background.
While most rhythm-based VR fitness games are limited to pre-loaded beatmaps, PowerBeatsVR allows you to create beatmaps of your own music and share with other players in the community.
Hence the reason why I’ve picked PowerBeatsVR as my top pick.
There are three virtual arenas to get your workout on from the sandy desert oasis to a futuristic space galaxy and an imposing castle that is about to be taken over.
For instance, you could be shattering an onslaught of boulders in one minute, or squatting to dodge flying projectiles headed your way.
It gets even better…
PowerBeatsVR gets even more interesting as you get to unlock various weapons.
Just when you’re about to get bored from throwing punches with your fists, you’re able to acquire a hammer, a shield, and a chargeable weapon for massive destruction.
Along with the actual game scenarios, this VR fitness game tracks everything including the number of calories burned and heart rate.
For an added boost, you can get fit with others as you try to advance on the global leader board competitively.
Calorie Counter: Yes (+ heart rate monitor)
Developer: Five Mind Creations
Available on: HTC Vive & Cosmos, Oculus Rift, Windows Mixed Reality, Valve Index
2. BoxVR
Imagine a hard core personal training session that will push you to your limits.
Well, that’s what you’ll get with BoxVR, a highly immersive VR workout experience that will have you shuffling and punching like a champ.
The best part is that you can do it all from the comfort of your own home no matter your fitness level.
The music will get you pumped up and the graphics keeps it interesting and on your toes.
The boxing routines are choreographed by pros and involve quick-paced moves such as jabbing, weaving and mean uppercuts.
A few rounds of this game, and you’ll start to notice all sorts of health benefits from weight loss to more strength and endurance.
Also, if you want, you can go your own route, upload your personal music and workout to a personalized routine.
Workouts range from three minutes to full 60-minute sessions, perfect if you want to work on your cardio.
The tracking workout feature gives you an idea of your progress, as well as the number of calories burned, which is great for maintaining momentum or pushing harder.
So whether you want to improve boxing technique, get loose and limber, you can accomplish that and more with BoxVR.
Calorie Counter: Yes
Developer: FitXR
Available on: Steam, Oculus, PlayStation VR
3. Knockout League
A single player, arcade-style game, Knockout League offers intense 1:1 action with a series of drills that will get your heart pumping.
This VR workout ensures you keep up the pace as you get in the ring with all sorts of characters like Iron Maiden and Pesky Pirate with their different boxing styles and levels.
The cheers of the crowd will have you feeling like you’re competing in a title bout as you put on the gloves and strategically attack your opponent.
Along with the fights, there is boxing training with cool challenges that promote flexibility and endurance with drills such as punching high-intensity balloons, blocking medicine balls and dodging dumbbells.
Some people who have gone through this VR fitness game say it’s more workout and less fight, so keep that in mind if you prefer something a little bit harder.
Useful features include calorie tracking, intuitive gameplay and accurate hand tracking.
Calorie Counter: Yes
Developer: Grab Games
Available on: HTC Vive, Oculus Rift, Windows Mixed Reality, Valve Index
4. Beat Saber
If you want a totally cool, futuristic and immersive VR workout, Beat Saber might be your new go-to game.
The concept is simple enough. As beats in the form of geometric shapes come dangerously close to you, you slash them with your trusty, neon saber.
All of the action is set to a bold music track from popular artists such as Imagine Dragons and Panic at the Disco, and special music collections such as songs selected by Monstercat.
As far as gaming goes, Beat Saber has won tons of awards for everything from Best Immersive Game to Technology and VR Game of the Year, among other accolades.
While this game does not feature traditional exercises such as other VR fitness games, it will get your body moving to the music.
Also, it is very visually stimulating with its simple, geometrical design that kind of puts you in a state of trance mode and in beat sabering zone.
The good thing is that this game never gets boring with music as there are different music packs featuring everything from pop to hip hop, EDM and so much more.
Calorie Counter:
Developer: Beat Games
Available on: HTC Vive, Oculus Rift, PlayStation VR, Windows Mixed Reality, Vavle Index
5. Goalkeeper VR Challenge
Soccer fans will want to get their hands on Goalkeeper VR, a stadium-style experience that lets you be the star goalie.
The immersive virtual reality game offers a choice of standard play which features a classic field setting or if you prefer, there are alternative backdrops for play.
As goalkeeper, get ready to get active as you stay on top of balls scoring and more with 14 different game modes. The action is fast-paced with surprises along the way.
You can see how you’re doing with features such as the leaderboard for score tracking.
Do you think you have what it takes to be a star goalkeeper?
Only one way to find out and that’s to check out this VR fitness game.
Calorie Counter: No
Developer: SneakyBox
Available on: HTC Vive, Oculus Rift, Valve Index
6. Fruit Ninja VR
You’ll need to be quick and have decent arm strength to get through Fruit Ninja VR.
This immersive VR fitness game works the upper body, although not in the traditional workout way, by challenging you to use your swords to combat the buckets of flying fruit bombarding you.
Gameplay is a high-energy experience with colorful vibrant graphics and non-stop action. Ideal for players of all ages and skill levels, Fruit Ninja VR helps you become an expert ninja as you skewer watermelon, pineapples and other flying fruit coming in your direction without accidentally hitting a bomb and detonating it.
Plus, you get bonus points when you slice the valuable fruit combos.
See what it takes to survive by playing this fun and fruity VR game that is great for a group gathering by the way.
Calorie Counter: No
Developer: Halfbrick Studios
Available on: HTC Vive, Oculus Rift, Windows Mixed Reality, Valve Index
7. Sword Master VR
Woah, 360-fighting combat is what you should expect Sword Master VR.
The room-scale VR makes game play super exciting and you lunge and defend opponents with your trusty sword.
It’s intense as you take on armor-clad enemies ready to be off with your head, so to speak.
Work your way up to blademaster by unlocking weapons and game modes.
People who have played this VR fitness game say they have noticed that they actually burn calories and that sword fighting beats running on a treadmill any day.
Not only is taking on bad guys fun, your body will thank you as you whip it into shape by ducking, dodging and deflecting incoming attacks with skill and precision.
There are 10 levels to show off your sword skils including the “Boss” level, so show them who’s boss!
Calorie Counter: No
Developer: Master Indie
Available on: HTC Vive, Oculus Rift, Valve Index
8. Sprint Vector
Think of Sprint Vector as a fun mashup of extreme sports with zany game show.
At least, that’s how the maker of this competitive, multiplayer VR game describe it.
The futuristic galactic setting offers all sorts of physical challenges from running to jumping with velocity.
Your heart will start racing as you play this thrilling fast-paced game.
One thing is for sure that you will need plenty of room to move around so make sure that you have it.
Fans of this VR game say that the energy is unhinged, so be prepared to think and act quickly.
Everything happens in the fictional Synvios Innovative Fluid Locomotion System.
Moving does the body good and there will be plenty of moves to help cut the calories, get trimmer and boost your mood and energy.
Be sure to keep track of your progress and keep at it!
Calorie Counter: No
Developer: Survios
Available on: HTC Vive, Oculus Rift
9. Racket: Nx
Racquetball enthusiasts will enjoy Racket:Nx, an action-packed game that immerses you in a giant glass dome similar to a pinball machine.
You will need to flex those muscles as you hit the ball with force so that they can reach their targets.
The cool, contemporary design is also stimulating.
Think of it as a modern day Breakout.
However, one thing that people say is that one side gets a stronger arm workout so keep that in mind as you make your way through this exhilirating VR workout adventure.
Play it by yourself or with multiplayers.
Now there’s no need to trek out to the racquetball court when you can get a quick fix of play with this fabulous VR workout.
Recent updates include the addition of Nightmare, which features more intense waves and fast action game play.
Plus, the actual physics dynamics have been improved and should make playing a smoother experience.
There is also a new tournament qualifier infrastructure as well if you enjoy a little more competition.
This VR workout can help you finesse your form, build up endurance and increase arm strength the more you hit. So be sure to keep at it.
Calorie Counter: No
Developer: One Hamsa
Available on: HTC Vive, Oculus Rift, Windows Mixed Reality, Valve Index
10. Audioshield
Be sure you have a lot of energy to block the beats in Audioshield.
This VR workout is all about moving and music so be prepared for a fun time.
Plus, the levels are created based on the music you provide, so it is truly a personalized game experience.
Build up staming as you block the incoming orbs. You can easily spend a lot of time playing this, which is good for building stamina.
The screen is dark and the colorful beats are flying towards you pretty fast so you need to be kind of nimble, fast and in defense mode.
Be sure to check it out and with practice, you’re sure to only get better with time.
Some say that Audioshield is the best virtual realty game they have played yet.
Specifically, they liked the immersive experience of having the music feel as though it is washing over your body as you play.
Plus, it also helps with helping you practice your rhythm since you need to stay in beat with the music.
Calorie Counter: No
Developer: Dylan Fitterer
Available on: HTC Vive, Oculus Rift, Windows Mixed Reality, Valve Index
Verdict
Hopefully, you now have a better idea of what VR fitness game and workout is right for you now that you know more about the Top 10 VR Fitness Games of 2019.
So whether you’re into boxing, breaking beats, racquetball, sprinting, slicing fruit, or any other physical activity, you can definitely find it in these energizing virtual reality experiences.
Not only are VR fitness games fun, they can help you with your workout and health goals, in a relaxed, non-pressure way in a comfortable, familiar environment.
So which one of these VR fitness workouts are you ready to try?
Which one of these VR fitness games look the most challenging?
Let me know by leaving a comment below 🙂
Or even better, include them as part of your plan to tackle your New Year’s Resolutions for 2020 and beyond!
Who knew playing VR games would be so good for your health?
- 5Shares
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