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Journalism of Courage
As we step into 2025, the fitness industry is embracing a ground-breaking trend, touted to be a “total game changer”: immersive fitness. Moving beyond step trackers, calorie counters, and smartwatches, this innovative approach integrates technology like virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), and advanced audiovisual elements to create engaging workout environments.
“It combines technology with fitness—imagine cycling through a virtual mountain range, boxing in a futuristic arena, or practicing yoga in a serene digital forest—to make exercise more engaging and motivational. It appeals to tech-savvy and experiential fitness seekers,” said Dr Ashwani Maichand, director, department of orthopaedics, CK Birla Hospital (R), Delhi.
Athlete and fitness content creator Chetan Tambe describes immersive fitness as a “total game changer”. “It uses cutting-edge AR and VR tech to make workouts more engaging and fun. The benefits are real: it boosts motivation, adds variety, and turns exercise into a fun activity rather than a chore, and you can even customise your workouts,” he said.
Dr Viju V Thomas, head of the department of physiotherapy and rehabilitation, Sri Balaji Action Medical Institute, broke it down for us. According to him, immersive fitness integrates:
– Technological integration: VR headsets, AR apps, and projectors create virtual environments for individual or group workouts.
– Multi-sensory engagement: Visuals and music are synchronised with movements, creating an immersive environment.
– Versatile applications: Workouts include spinning, HIIT, dance, yoga, or rehabilitation sessions.
– Accessibility: Both in gyms and at home through apps and VR fitness platforms.
According to Dr Thomas:
Enhanced motivation: Gamified and visually stimulating workouts make fitness enjoyable.
Increased engagement: Immersive settings reduce monotony and hold attention.
Flexibility: Remote access allows participation from anywhere.
Improved performance: Real-time feedback and personalized programs optimise results.
Community building: Virtual platforms foster social connections.
Immersive fitness is not without drawbacks. “It can be pricey, requires space for setup, and may cause motion sickness for some individuals,” said Tambe.
Dr Thomas shared the following
– High initial investment for equipment and technology.
– Dependence on reliable internet and tech infrastructure.
– Potentially less personal interaction with trainers.
– May alienate less tech-savvy users initially.
However, fitness experts argue that the advantages far outweigh these drawbacks, encouraging individuals to give it a try and experience the benefits firsthand.
Gyms can adopt immersive fitness by investing in VR equipment, interactive screens, and themed workout sessions. Dr Thomas said that proper training for staff and regular equipment maintenance are essential.
Dr Maichand pointed out immersive fitness is “more accessible to upper-income groups due to high setup costs. “However, as technology becomes affordable and gyms offer shared facilities, it could penetrate the middle class,” he said.
“Collaborations with tech companies can help reduce costs. Offering these services as premium add-ons could attract diverse clientele while supporting gradual integration into regular gym setups,” said Dr Maichand.
Immersive fitness is gaining traction in urban India, especially in spinning, yoga, and dance. “Its growth depends on affordable technology and adaptation to diverse markets and changing consumer needs. As AR/VR evolves and consumers seek experiential workouts, immersive fitness is likely to sustain its appeal,” said Dr Maichand.
Dr Thomas shared there is a “global shift towards gamified fitness”, and predicted significant growth for immersive options. Tambe echoed this, attributing the trend’s rise to increasing digital adoption and India’s burgeoning fitness culture.
