# Working Out in VR Really Works

Epistemic Status: **Based almost entirely on my own experience.** Also based on some friends [here](https://forum.effectivealtruism.org/posts/mtBwjfygyAudDakyC/shortform?commentId=kt8dBRrhGZJFyndjK), [here](https://www.facebook.com/yonatan.cale/posts/10159922707239828), and in real life.

**TL;DR: I now need willpower in order to not-workout (!)**. I wish someone would have told me this a long time ago when I was looking for some workout that would resonate with me.

Is it actually a workout?
=========================

TL;DR: Yes.

1.  I get tired and I sweat, especially in a specific intensive game (Thrill of the Fight, aka TotF)
2.  I saw someone play that game for under 3 minutes and collapse on the sofa in exhaustion for about half a day
3.  Here's a graph from my activity tracker (Oura Ring gen 2, **not optimal for tracking workouts!**, but still adds some info and also everyone likes graphs, right?) :  
    ![](https://39669.cdn.cke-cs.com/rQvD3VnunXZu34m86e5f/images/882cc4dd6bc4d210dcce3a70560348215a6e6038b28aedda.jpg)  
    To give context to this graph (of me playing TotF several times during the day): When I do a rollerblade trip with a group that's better than me, the **hardest** part is usually under the "high" line. TotF is often above it.

Can you build muscle with VR?
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TL;DR: Unclear. 

People who know stuff (I don't qualify) say one needs resistance to build muscles, so maybe using wrist-weights or elastic bands that connect one's limbs to one's torso. I didn't try any of those myself. Other people said "consult with a specialist, some movements that you'd do with resistance can cause harm".

It does seem to be amazing for aerobic exercises, and specifically for interval training.

Which games are good for workouts:
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1.  Classic: **Beat Saber**, almost everyone likes it. 
    1.  I rate it as a "medium" workout (and if it seems too easy, wait for the harder levels).
    2.  I recommend starting from the Tutorial.
2.  I tried **Pistol Whip** which is somewhat similar but with guns.
    1.  Also rated as a "medium" workout.
3.  **Thrill of the Fight** (TotF) is by far the most intensive workout I found on VR.
    1.  This will not be a good fit for everyone, it's scary (at least for me).
    2.  I have lots of beginner [tips](https://forum.effectivealtruism.org/posts/mtBwjfygyAudDakyC/shortform?commentId=KBTC5yPXjn3JWXdNk) for it (including safety tips and things that I bet the game would explain if it had a tutorial).
4.  **FitXR**: I played the boxing game a few times and like it so far
    1.  They have a subscription model ($10/month + short trial), this is really interesting to me, because they have a strong incentive to get me addicted to working out long-term, which is very aligned with my own desires!
5.  There are reviews of VR games for workouts, like [this](https://uploadvr.com/best-quest-2-fitness-exercise-apps/) or [this](https://vrhealth.institute/)
6.  Adding: See lots of suggestions in the [comments](https://www.lesswrong.com/posts/yzmDgP2hueHRsCP7i/working-out-in-vr-really-works#comments)

Which VR do I have?
===================

Oculus Quest 2 ([Amazon link](https://smile.amazon.com/Oculus-Quest-Advanced-All-One-Virtual/dp/B099VMT8VZ))

How much does it cost?
----------------------

$300 on Amazon, plus ~$10-$40 per game. Expect to try out a few games, you won't like them all.

If you enter someone's referral code, you both get some money to use on games. I don't have a referral code, but if you do (check [here](https://www.oculus.com/referrals/)), please post it in the comments.

How to decide whether to buy one?
=================================

I recommend **trying it at a friend who has VR**. You might not like it, you might get nausea, who knows.

Most games are not so "polished" (except for Beat Saber), so I wouldn't settle for only one "round" of the game before you decide if you like it. I'd start with the Tutorial (if it exists), and I'd try playing the game for ~30 minutes before deciding.

What about getting addicted to games?
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If it's a workout game: I get tired, I can't play it "forever", especially Thrill of the Fight which gets me extremely tired after playing for 15 minutes (or less).

My recommendation is: **only download workout games**, so that if you get addicted to anything, it will be to working out. (I wish someone would have told me that in advance! Let's just say I downloaded some other game too)

How much do I know what I'm talking about?
==========================================

I had my VR for about 6 weeks. I might decide that I'm fed up of it tomorrow, but it doesn't seem to be the direction things are going. I tried optimizing my workouts for a long time, experimenting and looking for solutions that won't require constant willpower from me. This is the first time in my life where **my workout is trying to get me addicted to it**. Some friends found this useful, I hope you will too!