Would You Wear A VR Headset in The Gym?

I keep reading over and over how people think they'll be using VR in public but then they get the headset and have a big moment and realise they will never ever use this thing in public. Because they'll look like this:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ryNs6rddECw

But would you sit on a stationary cycle using a VR headset in a public gym with the cycle facing a wall?

And I mean as a private big screen, not as VR … so no wildly waving your head around I mean just looking like a stationary wierdo from the future ;)

My main issue is someone stealing my laptop (because I play games at the gym) - but then I realised all I have to do is plug in an XB1 controller using a wired connection and no one can take the computer without me noticing if I'm playing a game.

So would you do it? I'd like to know because I'd hate to buy a headset and then have that "Man, are you kidding me? i'm not wearing that thing outside the house!" moment ;)

Thoughts?

Poll Options expired

  • 4
    Yes
  • 30
    No
  • 0
    Not sure

Comments

  • No, why would anyone?

    May as well do a virtual gym session at home.

    • I like playing games while I do cardio … the cardio part is actually happening, it isn't virtual :p

      • At what speed on the treadmill?

        Would be hard I imagine at jogging/running pace?

  • Don't know if I could use it for games at the gym, I'd get too immersed and forget to pedal
    Movies maybe, but then you don't have to worry about looking like a drug addict having a bad trip with that :P

    • LOL.

      That happens actually, if I have to concentrate too hard I forget to pedal :p

  • +3

    The technology is not yet practical enough. Perhaps when they come out with a sports version.

    How are you going to deal with the sweating (eg. brow, hair, skin)?
    Will warranty cover moisture damage?
    Will the screens fog up from the humidity and lack of ventilation?
    Is there sports versions that can take rough and tumble?
    Will gyms take issue since you are a higher insurance risk comparable to a blindfolded person riding their equipment.

    • +1

      Actually that is some practical advice thanks … it would'nt work. Didn't think of sweat durr me.

      • +1

        I think its fun to mix computer games with work outs. For jogging I heard of a Zombie runner game (not sure but it might be called Zombies, Run!). Maybe there's something similar for cycling?

        • +1

          Definitely makes working out less of a grind, I do 5 hours a week.

          Best types of games for working out (for me anyhow) is FPS and 3rd person like GTA or Tombraider. Driving games and frantic type arcade games like Geometry Wars take a lot of concentration and it's easy to stop pedalling.

          Interesting thing is the brain actually burns a fair wad of calories when it's concentrating intently. I think it uses 25% of all energy consumed as a ballpark figure without exercise.

        • @Diji1:
          maybe too immersive for some…. over exert trying to "escape" or gets heart attack

  • No.

  • they're not meant to be used in public.

  • +1

    On the positive side at least you wouldn't hear/see all the people laughing at you whilst you do it…

  • I don't think I'd do it unless it was very mainstream and was accommodated properly as mentioned above. But I'd definitely be interested if the vr was integrated in the exercise, so that in your fps your health or speed improved the faster you pedaled, for example, to provide incentive.

  • +1

    Might do for a dare and if money was involved…say $100

  • Wait you play games at the gym?

  • Man a pretty resounding no which was what I was expecting but there's more people who think they would than I thought ;).

    • +1

      Well that's definitely worth a neg.

      I guess.

  • I wouldn't, mainly from a safety aspect. You wouldn't know what's going on around you. Could get robbed or easily assaulted. I thought about it on my commute to work, but thought better of it. I'd probably get robbed of everything.

    • Yeah same I couldn't wear it on a bus for example.

      Gym is a bit different in that it's covered by video cameras although it is Jett's so there's no or almost no staff there.

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