Does Playing VR Burn Calories? A Deep Dive into Virtual Fitness

VR games are taking the gaming world by storm, delivering immersive, awe-inspiring experiences that unite the body and mind. The interactive native of VR means that a player can harness the power of their body to navigate and transform their virtual setting. So is VR good exercise? Absolutely! Is VR good for weight loss? It can definitely help when paired with a healthy diet. The team at VR Space has explored data from the VR Fitness Institute to rank the VR games that burn the most calories:

How Many Calories Does VR Burn?

Virtual reality is emerging as a powerful tool in the fight against sedentary lifestyles and obesity: An estimated 15% of VR games burn enough calories to qualify as medium to intense exercise. The amount of calories burned by VR games depends on many factors, such as the type of game, how engaged the player is, and how much a player weighs. But overall, the calories burned by virtual reality games can range from 13 calories per minute to 1 calorie per minute. Any movement is better than no movement at all, so have fun and get playing!

What VR Game Burns the Most Calories?

Here are the top ten VR games that give you a workout ranked by how many calories they burn per minute:

  1. AudioShield Modded calories burned range from 10.66 to 11.85 per minute.
  2. Thrill of the Fight calories burned range from 9.74 to 15.32 per minute.
  3. PowerBeatsVR calories burned range from 72 to 8.59 per minute.
  4. Knockout League calories burned range from 7.54 to 8.33 per minute.
  5. Audio Trip calories burned range from 7.29 to 8.94 per minute.
  6. Holopoint calories burned range from 7.46 to 12.69 per minute.
  7. Pistol Whip calories burned range from 7.17 to 7.69 per minute.
  8. Hot Squat 2: New Glory calories burned range from 7.07 to 8.57 per minute.
  9. Song Beater: Quite My Tempo!calories burned range from 7 to 8.86 per minute.
  10. Soundboxing calories burned range from 6.72 to 7.49 per minute.

Is Beat Saber a Good Cardio Workout?

Definitely! Not only is Beat Saber a fun dancing game, but it’s great for VR fitness, as it can burn as many calories per minute as playing tennis. Beat Saber calories burned can reach 6.55 to 7.45 per minute for someone who weighs around 175 pounds.

You can check out the methodology used to determine calories burned by VR games here. You can also explore these articles from authorities in health, fitness, and technology exploring the use of VR for exercise:

Which Virtual Reality Games Burn the Most Calories per Minute?

RankGameCalories Burned per Minute
1Audioshield Modded10.66 to 11.85
2Thrill of the Fight9.74 to 15.32
3PowerBeatsVR7.72 to 8.59
4Knockout League7.54 to 8.33
5Audio Trip7.29 to 8.94
6Holopoint7.46 to 12.69
7Pistol Whip7.17 to 7.69
8Hot Squat 2: New Glory7.07 to 8.57
9Song Beater: Quite My Tempo!7 to 8.86
10Soundboxing6.72 to 7.49
11Creed: Rise to Glory6.62 to 7.80
12Hot Squat6.56 to 7.25
13Beat Saber6.55 to 7.45
14Fastest Fist6.24 to 8.02
15Final Soccer VR6.07 to 6.75
16Audioshield5.95 to 7.69
17SpaceFrog VR5.93 to 6.75
18BoxVR5.7 to 6.89
19Nightstar: Starfighter5.64 to 7.14
20Katana X5.64 to 6.64
21Hotel Transylvania Popstic5.45 to 7.04
22Bitslap5.34 to 5.41
23Space Pirate Trainer5.16 to 5.22
24Cross Country Skiing VR5.17 to 5.46
25Sprint Vector5.15 to 5.51
26Music Escape5.12 to 7.07
27HoloBall5.01 to 6.18
28GoalkeepVR4.89 to 5.5
29Drunkn Bar Fight4.84 to 4.89
30Dance Collider4.78 to 6.25
31Sword Master4.73 to 5.44
32Blade and Sorcery4.7 to 5.32
33Fruit Ninja4.68 to 4.99
34Acan’s Call: Act 14.62 to 4.8
35Chop It4.5 to 5.67
36Ninja Legends4.43 to 5.5
37Until You Fall4.39 to 5.06
38Racket Fury: Table Tennis VR4.38 to 4.85
39Synth Riders4.32 to 5.27
40Hellsplit: Arena4.28 to 5.3
41Racket: Nx4.23 to 4.58
42Orc Hunter4.12 to 4.46
43Arcade Saga4.12 to 4.4
44Sweet Escape 24.07 to 4.45
45Dash Dash Run!4.06 to 4.22
46Superhot VR4.06 to 4.07
47VirZOOM Arcade4.05 to 4.58
48Singularity 53.93 to 4.44
49Eleven Table Tennis3.9 to 4.31
50Rec Room3.9 to 3.94
51Blasters of the Universe3.87 to 5.41
52Karnage Chronicles3.8 to 4.26
53Vector Velocity3.79 to 4.29
54Space Channel 53.77 to 4.78
55Loco Dojo3.71 to 4.38
56The Wizards3.68 to 6.24
57Goalie VR3.68 to 3.72
58Deus Vult3.61 to 4.2
59Vindicta3.6 to 3.61
60Wave Circles3.52 to 3.85
61Sairento VR3.43 to 3.91
62Audica3.41 to 3.87
63ThunderGod3.41 to 4.22
64Late for Work3.41 to 4.1
65Gates of Nowhere3.38 to 4.13
66OrbusVR3.37 to 4.4
67DrumBeats VR3.31 to 4.35
68To the Top3.29 to 3.8
69Holoception3.2 to 4.03
70Raw Data3.13 to 3.58
71Tiltbrush3.12 to 3.18
72Windlands 23.11 to 3.68
73The IOTA Project3.06 to 3.35
74Bardo3.05 to 3.2
75Everyday Golf VR3.03 to 3.29
76Flappy Arms3.03 to 3.15
77Vanishing Realms3.01 to 3.29
78Omni Arena2.96 to 3.28
79Undead Development2.92 to 3.3
80Climbey2.92 to 3.01
81Pavlov VR2.91 to 3.38
82QuiVr2.87
83Eclipse @ CineQuest2.63 to 2.9
84Dungeons & Treasure VR2.53 to 2.72
85Electronauts2.43 to 2.94
86Mace and Grace2.33 to 2.69
87Cricket Club3.29 to 3.62
88Crystal Reign2.28 to 2.51
89Job Simulator2.26 to 2.3
90VR Regatta2.15 to 2.16
91Big Breezy Boat2.11 to 2.49
92Flappy Flappy VR2.08 to 2.28
93Conveyor VR2.07 to 2.47
94CYCOM: Cybernet Combat2.04 to 2.24
95Animal Force1.86 to 2.12
96Detached1.85 to 1.91
97Smashbox Arena1.79 to 2.11

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Virtual reality (VR) is a growing tool in the fitness sector in addition to being a doorway to immersive gaming experiences in the modern digital era. One often posed query is, “Does playing VR burn calories?” The response is unquestionably positive, and this article will discuss how playing virtual reality games can be a pleasurable and efficient approach to stay in shape in addition to burning fat.

The Caloric Burn of VR Activities

When it comes to burning calories, VR gaming offers a unique blend of physical activity and immersive gameplay. Studies and user feedback indicate that the caloric expenditure during VR activities varies based on the game’s intensity and duration of play. Let’s delve into the details:

Light VR Games

These games, characterized by their low-intensity gameplay such as puzzles or exploration, still contribute to calorie burning, albeit to a lesser extent. Comparable to a leisurely walk, light VR games typically enable users to burn approximately 100-200 calories per hour.

Moderate to Intense VR Games

On the other hand, more physically demanding VR games offer a substantial caloric burn akin to vigorous cardio exercises. Here’s a breakdown of some popular intense VR games and their calorie-burning potential:

  • Beat Saber: Renowned for its rhythmic gameplay, Beat Saber requires players to slash through blocks with virtual lightsabers to the beat of music. Users can expect to burn between 6-8 calories per minute, comparable to the caloric expenditure of a moderate-paced rowing session.
  • Thrill of the Fight: As a VR boxing simulator, Thrill of the Fight immerses players in intense one-on-one boxing matches. With its demanding gameplay, users can burn an impressive 10-15 calories per minute, equivalent to the caloric output of a vigorous boxing workout.
  • Supernatural: This VR fitness app combines immersive environments with full-body workouts designed by professional trainers. Caloric burn in Supernatural varies based on factors like workout duration, intensity, and individual fitness levels, but it typically offers a high-intensity interval training (HIIT) experience.

Comparing VR with Traditional Exercises

Here is a simple table to illustrate how VR stacks up against traditional exercises in terms of calorie expenditure:

ActivityDescriptionCalories Burned per Hour
Watching TVThis sedentary activity burns minimal calories, with an estimated expenditure of 70 calories per hour. It serves as the baseline for comparison against more physically active endeavors.70
Walking (3 mph)Walking at a moderate pace of 3 miles per hour increases calorie burn significantly compared to sedentary activities. It’s a common form of low-impact exercise, burning around 280 calories per hour.280
Beat Saber (Moderate)Engaging in moderate-intensity VR gaming sessions, such as playing Beat Saber, elevates calorie burn to levels comparable to more traditional forms of exercise. Players can expect to burn between 420 to 480 calories per hour, making it a viable option for cardio workouts.420-480
Jogging (5 mph)Jogging at a moderate pace of 5 miles per hour is a staple of cardiovascular exercise routines, burning approximately 590 calories per hour. While traditional jogging offers higher calorie burn than moderate VR gaming, the immersive nature of VR can enhance enjoyment and motivation for some individuals.590
Thrill of the FightHigh-intensity VR experiences like Thrill of the Fight offer calorie burn rates that rival or exceed those of traditional exercises. With estimates ranging from 600 to 900 calories burned per hour, this intense VR boxing simulation provides a vigorous cardiovascular workout comparable to jogging or other high-intensity activities.600-900

How Does VR Burn Calories?

Female wearing VR

Engaging in VR involves a lot of physical movement which is the primary driver of calorie burn. Here’s how different types of movements in VR help burn calories:

  • Arm movements: Swinging, punching, or throwing motions in games.
  • Core engagement: Balancing and stabilizing the body during dynamic game play.
  • Leg movements: Ducking, dodging, or dancing movements require significant energy expenditure.

Calorie burn in VR also depends on individual metabolic rates and the intensity level each player brings to their session. Players who move more vigorously will experience a higher calorie burn.

Benefits of VR Fitness

Aside from calorie burn, VR gaming has several other fitness benefits:

  • Improved cardiovascular health: Regularly playing energetic VR games increases heart rate and helps improve cardiovascular health.
  • Enhanced motor skills: VR games can help improve coordination and balance.
  • Motivation and engagement: The immersive nature of VR keeps participants engaged and motivated to exercise, which is a key component in consistent physical activity.

Conclusion

Does playing VR burn calories? Absolutely, and it does so while providing an enjoyable and engaging way to exercise. Whether you’re slicing beats in a rhythmic game or boxing against a virtual opponent, VR has proven to be a valuable tool for those looking to burn calories and enhance their overall fitness. As VR technology continues to evolve, it will likely become an increasingly integral part of fitness regimes worldwide.

FAQ

Can playing VR replace my regular workout?

While VR can supplement your exercise regimen, it’s important to maintain a balanced workout routine that includes a variety of physical activities. However, for those who find traditional workouts boring or strenuous, VR provides an enjoyable alternative.

What equipment do I need for VR fitness?

To get started with VR fitness, you’ll need a VR headset and compatible controllers. Certain games might also require additional space or accessories like resistance bands or hand weights.

Is VR fitness safe?

Yes, with proper precautions. Ensure your play area is clear of obstacles, and be mindful of your physical limits to avoid injuries.

How long should I play VR to see fitness results?

Like any exercise program, consistency and intensity are key. Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise per week, as recommended by health guidelines, which can include VR activities.