Virtually Fit

When it comes to exercise, many people seek a combination of variety, effectiveness, and convenience. Virtual and interactive fitness platforms and equipment offer all of that and more.

Whether it’s having a customized workout plan, a one-on-one training session, the opportunity to sneak a home workout into a busy schedule, or a chance to try something completely new, the recent surge in virtual and interactive fitness options makes it easier than ever to find something that will work for your lifestyle, fitness level, and interest.

From equipment worth investing in to super-convenient apps, here are some of the most appealing and versatile ways to get the workout of your dreams:

Meta Quest

Fitness enthusiasts will appreciate all that the Meta Quest 3 (previously Oculus) has to offer. The VR headset system boasts a selection of augmented reality apps for users to exercise both individually and with friends. There's something for everyone, including Gym Class Basketball VR, NFL Pro Era, and HoloFit, which connects to a rower, bike, or elliptical, providing an enjoyable and challenging blend of virtual and physical reality.

Meta Quest has a diverse selection of fitness apps across various categories, including popular ones like Supernatural (Boxing, Flow and Stretch) and FITXR (Zumba, Sculpt, Dance, and Slam, among others).

Tim Cook poses for a selfie with a customer who is wearing Apple Vision Pro.

Apple Vision Pro

Apple Vision Pro is the computer brand’s latest and most unique offering. Dubbed “Apple’s First Spatial Operating System,” this headset takes a future-is-now approach. While not designed exclusively for fitness purposes, this device currently has over 600 apps and games.

Vision Pro’s fitness apps include WorkHard Fitness, Running Weather, and Mixed Lifting, along with lifestyle-based apps for mindfulness, meditation, and journaling. While the selection is currently limited, more will be available in the not-too-distant future. With Apple's stellar reputation, the Vision Pro’s array of capabilities makes it well worth the investment.

PHOTOS BY: TONAL
With up to 200 pounds of weight resistance, Tonal evaluates your strength and adapts to your body's needs.

Tonal

Tonal was one of the first popular pieces of interactive home fitness equipment. The system is adaptable and adjustable, and Tonal installation partners professionally mount it on your wall, offering “big results in small spaces.”

With cardio, strength training, family fitness, barre, Pilates, and yoga programs, Tonal truly has something for everyone. It even appeals to serious weight lifters, who will appreciate features such as Strength Assessment and Spotter Mode, which automatically reduces weight when it senses a user is having trouble.

Tonal offers the chance to try out the system in person. You can visit one of their many showrooms in several states or schedule a virtual appointment.

PHOTO BY: TEMPO
Tempo uses AI to craft the ideal workout for your body and lifestyle.

Tempo

If you prefer traditional weightlifting with barbells, you’ll love Tempo. The offered equipment includes dumbbells with non-slip grips and color-coded weight plates, a sleek unit where you can stow weight plates, weight collars , dumbbells, and extra accessories, or a free-standing frame stacked with 360 degrees of storage space.

The Tempo app uses Artificial Intelligence to consider sleep, heart rate, activity level, and recovery time to help create the perfect workout for you every single time you use it.

For example, it will push you on those extra-energetic days or slow things down when you’re sore and tired. Best of all, Tempo helps guide users to develop their form through joint movement, weight logging, and position tracking via your iPhone’s camera.

PHOTO BY: NORDICTRACK
Linked to the iFIT app, the NordicTrack Incline Runner is designed to feel like running outdoors.

NordicTrack Incline Runner

NordicTrack has found a way to re-invent the treadmill workout with the innovative Incline Runner. The commercial-grade treadmill connects with the iFit app, which offers various programs depending on your long- and short-term fitness goals.

Settings such as incline and speed are automatically adjusted through the app. You can even sync your heart rate monitor, and the settings will adjust to keep you in your target heart rate zone.

iFit is also one of the few apps that use real celebrity trainers, including former New York Giants running back Tiki Barber and ultra-runner Sally McRae. With vibrant visuals, it almost feels like you are running and playing outside.

OxeFit XS1

The OxeFit XS1 is a smart training home gym that offers real-time performance feedback to improve your form and help prevent injury. The system has over 200 digital weight exercises with personalized training, but it boasts that it is definitely more than just a strength platform. OxeFit has options that include Row, Canoe, Kayak, Paddleboard, SurfSwim, and SkiCross to make each workout fun and energizing.

PHOTO BY: LES MILLS
BODYCOMBAT is a high-energy workout intended to increase coordination and reduce stress.

LM BODYCOMBAT

Designed for VR Headsets, including the MetaQuest, Sony PlayStation VR2, and Pico, devotees of cult fitness brand Les Mills will love the boxing and martial arts-based LM BODYCOMBAT. With more than 50 workouts for a range of levels, from beginner to advanced, BODYCOMBAT combines fitness and gaming to a motivating soundtrack. Better yet, it is a one-time purchase that doesn’t require a subscription.

PHOTO BY: XPONENTIAL+
One of the Xponential+ brands, Club Pilates offers classes focused on stretching, cardio, suspension training, and more.

Xponential+

You might not have heard about Xponential+, but you’ve probably heard of their brands, including Club Pilates, Pure Barre, StretchLab, and Rumble. This streaming subscription app features a variety of classes on demand for Apple TV, Roku, and Fire TV. There is also a VR component available through Meta Quest, making Xponential+ a fantastic choice for anyone who loves a studio environment but needs to exercise at home. Both live and on-demand classes are available.

Whatever you choose for your next virtual workout, any of these exciting systems and apps can offer engaging and immersive exercise opportunities, which can lead you to achieve your health and fitness goals in novel ways.