If the pandemic taught us anything it was how to take care of ourselves and find normality from the comfort of our homes. Whether it was remote collaboration, socialising or healthcare, we all had to alter our approach to reality. 

One thing that offered people structure – and a means to exercise in a safe space during this tough time – was the popularity of various physical fitness programmes. 

Home fitness is nothing new. We're sure you remember the wave of celebrity fitness DVDs that became so popular during the 1990s and early 2000s. 

But thanks to a new generation of innovative tech, home fitness is being taken up a notch as extended reality (XR) continues to revolutionise our workouts in the post-pandemic world. 

With the rise of XR, many fitness apps and experiences have been developed to take advantage of immersive technologies. From virtual reality (VR) games that offer a full-body workout to augmented reality (AR) apps that help you visualise your fitness goals, XR fitness is changing how we approach exercise. 

Here are just a few examples of the XR fitness products currently on the market.

As fit as a… zombie?

When you think about fitness, the apocalypse isn't usually the first thing that comes to mind. 

Yet one AR fitness app is subverting that perception. It's helping lovers of zombie flicks and dystopian media to hit the ground running – literally. 

Zombies, Run! is an AR app available on most smartphones. It's a narrative-driven experience with various missions that simulate being chased by zombies. Yes, really. 

As you walk, jog or run, the app alters its story and instructions, alerting you to increase your speed to evade zombies and "collect supplies" on your journey. Definitely a unique way to get your steps in.

Not got the stomach for a zombie apocalypse? Here are some VR experiences that you might find more enticing. 

VR fitness apps

There's a wide range of VR fitness apps available that can help you achieve your fitness goals from the comfort of your own home. Visit any VR app store and you'll find an experience that suits you – whether it's virtual boxing, cardio, yoga or meditation.

Here are a few popular VR apps you can check out. Go ahead. Incorporate these into your routine to benefit from a more immersive and engaging fitness experience.

Beat Saber

Beat Saber is a popular rhythm-based game that merges entertainment and fitness harmoniously. 

This app offers an intense workout, as you have to use your whole body to slash through virtual obstacles to the beat of the music.

Supernatural

A subscription-based app that offers daily high-intensity workouts, guided by expert trainers, set in beautiful and inspiring locations.

BoxVR

A boxing game that provides a full-body workout. The player has to jab at virtual punching bags and dodge obstacles.

FitXR

 A fitness app that offers a range of workout classes, including cardio, boxing, and dance. This one is designed to get your heart rate up and burn those calories.

Synth Riders

A music-based game that combines dance and rhythm for a fun and engaging full-body workout.

Bringing new meaning to flexibility 

Fitness at home has never been more flexible – and neither have our product offerings.

At Expand Reality, we specialise in a variety of XR headsets. Our main focus is helping businesses improve their efficiency – but the products we offer are even more versatile than you might think.

Take the Microsoft HoloLens 2. This mixed-reality headset blends the virtual and physical worlds to create a truly unique experience. The HoloLens is a great option for those who want to incorporate fitness into their daily routine in a more interactive and engaging way.

One example of an app that can be used with the HoloLens for XR fitness is Yogar. 

Yogar is a yoga app that uses mixed reality to guide users through their yoga practice. With the HoloLens, users can see virtual indicators in their physical space, providing real-time guidance and feedback on their form and movements.

Using the HoloLens and Yogar, users can create a more immersive experience that helps them stay motivated and engaged throughout their practice. 

Whether you are a beginner or an experienced yogi, the HoloLens and Yogar app can take your yoga practice to the next level.

XR solutions that are fit for anyone

Whether you're after high-intensity workouts you're after or a programme to increase your flexibility and serenity, XR can change the way we work out for the better.

As you can probably tell, the world of XR fitness is incredibly varied. So whether you want to enhance your daily runs, polish your current regime, or completely transport yourself to another world to break a sweat, you'll find plenty of innovative new experiences on the market.

There truly is something for everyone. 

Are you looking for ways to upgrade your workout routine? Perhaps you're interested in developing an XR fitness app? You can buy a Microsoft HoloLens right now in our online store – or follow our XR blog to discover how the technology is transforming our lives in new and innovative ways.