A groundbreaking research study has validated that workouts on Supernatural, a leading virtual reality fitness platform, are as effective as traditional cardio and fitness activities like running, boxing, and swimming. This study addresses the skepticism that has often surrounded the effectiveness of VR fitness.
The study was led by Dr. Ryan Rhodes at the University of Victoria, Canada, with co-authors Tabitha Craig and Dr. Yoah Sui. Their objective was to measure how exercising in a VR headset compares to conventional cardiovascular exercises.
The findings concluded that Supernatural provides a scientifically-proven workout that can be a core component of a healthy cardio routine. On average, Supernatural workouts qualify as vigorous activity. This means users can meet the recommended 75 minutes per week of vigorous activity in just half the time, compared to the guideline of 150 minutes per week of low to moderate physical activity.
Supernatural offers a variety of workouts, including Supernatural Flow, a full-body cardio session equivalent to running, and Supernatural Boxing, which matches the intensity of real-life boxing. At medium intensity, these workouts are comparable to bicycling, sparring, or aerobic dancing.
“There is a common misconception that workouts have to be a no-pain, no-gain situation,” says Leanne Pedante, Supernatural’s Head of Fitness. “This study proves that you can experience the joy and fun that many report feeling in their Supernatural fitness routine, without compromising in terms of energy expended.”
Supernatural Co-Founder Aaron Koblin emphasized the platform’s mission: “We’ve always believed that the best workout is the one you actually do. Supernatural was created to improve lives by making movement accessible, enjoyable, and fun.”
The study underscores the potential of VR fitness to offer an engaging and effective alternative to traditional workouts, opening new possibilities for how people can stay active and healthy.