Anyone tried VR rowing?

General discussions about getting and staying fit that don't relate directly to your indoor rower
fitavita
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Anyone tried VR rowing?

Post by fitavita » November 23rd, 2020, 10:54 am

I'm 46 years old and looking for some kind of advice/recommendation. I'm constantly fighting to lose weight and failing. Not sure if I'm putting too much mental pressure on myself but getting into shape is one of my priorities at the moment. I do have Concept2 with PM 5 and I enjoy it very much. However, sometimes I lose motivation to exercise and was thinking about trying VR fitness. Any similar experiences here and which solution you recommend?

I'm open to your suggestion.

Dangerscouse
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Re: Anyone tried VR rowing?

Post by Dangerscouse » November 23rd, 2020, 1:51 pm

What's VR fitness / rowing? I haven't heard of that.

Have you thought about the Beginner's Pete Plan or full plan? There is some accountability with posting here and others have started it recently too.
51 HWT; 6' 4"; 1k= 3:09; 2k= 6:36; 5k= 17:19; 6k= 20:47; 10k= 35:46 30mins= 8,488m 60mins= 16,618m HM= 1:16.47; FM= 2:40:41; 50k= 3:16:09; 100k= 7:52:44; 12hrs = 153km

"You reap what you row"

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neil262
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Re: Anyone tried VR rowing?

Post by neil262 » November 23rd, 2020, 3:41 pm

There is a VR rowing game/app called holofit. I've seen clips of it in YouTube. Don't think I'd be able to wear a headset while rowing!
Neil
43yo 5ft 10, 75kg
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Dangerscouse
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Re: Anyone tried VR rowing?

Post by Dangerscouse » November 23rd, 2020, 5:02 pm

neil262 wrote:
November 23rd, 2020, 3:41 pm
There is a VR rowing game/app called holofit. I've seen clips of it in YouTube. Don't think I'd be able to wear a headset while rowing!
VR, as in Virtual Reality? Whilst rowing? Wow, that would be strange, but I thought that before I tried rowing with eyes closed
51 HWT; 6' 4"; 1k= 3:09; 2k= 6:36; 5k= 17:19; 6k= 20:47; 10k= 35:46 30mins= 8,488m 60mins= 16,618m HM= 1:16.47; FM= 2:40:41; 50k= 3:16:09; 100k= 7:52:44; 12hrs = 153km

"You reap what you row"

Instagram: stuwenman

neil262
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Re: Anyone tried VR rowing?

Post by neil262 » November 23rd, 2020, 5:16 pm

Dangerscouse wrote:
November 23rd, 2020, 5:02 pm
neil262 wrote:
November 23rd, 2020, 3:41 pm
There is a VR rowing game/app called holofit. I've seen clips of it in YouTube. Don't think I'd be able to wear a headset while rowing!
VR, as in Virtual Reality? Whilst rowing? Wow, that would be strange, but I thought that before I tried rowing with eyes closed
Yeah proper VR with the massive headsets! I struggle with a sweatband on! It does look interesting though. The guy from dark horse rowing has a review video about it.
Neil
43yo 5ft 10, 75kg
Wirral, UK
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https://log.concept2.com/profile/1383801/log

robbiep
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Re: Anyone tried VR rowing?

Post by robbiep » November 23rd, 2020, 5:35 pm

neil262 wrote:
November 23rd, 2020, 5:16 pm
Dangerscouse wrote:
November 23rd, 2020, 5:02 pm
neil262 wrote:
November 23rd, 2020, 3:41 pm
There is a VR rowing game/app called holofit. I've seen clips of it in YouTube. Don't think I'd be able to wear a headset while rowing!
VR, as in Virtual Reality? Whilst rowing? Wow, that would be strange, but I thought that before I tried rowing with eyes closed
Yeah proper VR with the massive headsets! I struggle with a sweatband on! It does look interesting though. The guy from dark horse rowing has a review video about it.
I'd imagine the weight of a VR headset, with the change in direction at the catch and recovery 20+ times a minute, would be a perfect recipe for neck injuries
https://log.concept2.com/profile/41592/log

51 HWT M
50+ PBs : (recent in red)
100m 17.0 / 500m 1:36.3 / 1k 3:32.2 / 2k 7:29.9 / 5k 19:51.7 / 6k 23:53.3 / 10k 41:36.4
HM 1:29:38.2 / 1 min 310m / 30 min 7407m / 60 min 14124m

mict450
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Re: Anyone tried VR rowing?

Post by mict450 » November 23rd, 2020, 7:50 pm

My sweat would probably destroy the headset in no time.
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c2jonw
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Re: Anyone tried VR rowing?

Post by c2jonw » November 23rd, 2020, 8:18 pm

Two years ago I test drove a prototype rowing VR program that was really amazing. The headset was not too heavy, and the graphics were stunning, offering rowing on a jungle river, through canyons and gold mines as well as outer space. The one thing that took a little getting used to was that the graphics have you moving and looking forward. I think for some people it could be an incentive, though at some point you'd likely get bored with the graphics unless new venues are offered. I have also used Zwift with the bike erg and find the real time interacting with other cyclists very compelling. JonW
72 year old grandpa living in Waterbury Center, Vermont, USA
Concept2 employee 1980-2018! and what a long, strange trip it's been......

fitavita
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Re: Anyone tried VR rowing?

Post by fitavita » November 24th, 2020, 8:47 am

Thanks for the recommendation, Neil. I checked their website and it seems that holofit is compatible with my Concept2 which leads me to consider this option... Although I love my rower, I definitely need something to motivate me to row more than I normally do. I read that VR headsets weigh about 500g which sounds acceptable to me. Do I need anything else besides my Concept2 and VR headset to try this out?

There is a VR rowing game/app called holofit. I've seen clips of it in YouTube. Don't think I'd be able to wear a headset while rowing!
[/quote]

VR, as in Virtual Reality? Whilst rowing? Wow, that would be strange, but I thought that before I tried rowing with eyes closed
[/quote]

Yeah proper VR with the massive headsets! I struggle with a sweatband on! It does look interesting though. The guy from dark horse rowing has a review video about it.
[/quote]

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c2jonw
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Re: Anyone tried VR rowing?

Post by c2jonw » November 24th, 2020, 9:07 am

c2jonw: Two years ago I test drove a prototype rowing VR program that was really amazing. The headset was not too heavy, and the graphics were stunning, offering rowing on a jungle river, through canyons and gold mines as well as outer space. The one thing that took a little getting used to was that the graphics have you moving and looking forward. I think for some people it could be an incentive, though at some point you'd likely get bored with the graphics unless new venues are offered. I have also used Zwift with the bike erg and find the real time interacting with other cyclists very compelling. JonW
I took a look at the Holofit website and that looks like the one I tried out. Good luck with it!
72 year old grandpa living in Waterbury Center, Vermont, USA
Concept2 employee 1980-2018! and what a long, strange trip it's been......

fitavita
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Re: Anyone tried VR rowing?

Post by fitavita » November 24th, 2020, 9:23 am

Thanks! I think I will give Holofit a try and let you know my impressions. I saw on YouTube their 'rowing in Paris' which sounds attractive especially now when you can't travel that much :)
c2jonw: Two years ago I test drove a prototype rowing VR program that was really amazing. The headset was not too heavy, and the graphics were stunning, offering rowing on a jungle river, through canyons and gold mines as well as outer space. The one thing that took a little getting used to was that the graphics have you moving and looking forward. I think for some people it could be an incentive, though at some point you'd likely get bored with the graphics unless new venues are offered. I have also used Zwift with the bike erg and find the real time interacting with other cyclists very compelling. JonW
I took a look at the Holofit website and that looks like the one I tried out. Good luck with it!
[/quote]

neil262
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Re: Anyone tried VR rowing?

Post by neil262 » November 24th, 2020, 10:26 am

fitavita wrote:
November 24th, 2020, 8:47 am
Thanks for the recommendation, Neil. I checked their website and it seems that holofit is compatible with my Concept2 which leads me to consider this option... Although I love my rower, I definitely need something to motivate me to row more than I normally do. I read that VR headsets weigh about 500g which sounds acceptable to me. Do I need anything else besides my Concept2 and VR headset to try this out?

There is a VR rowing game/app called holofit. I've seen clips of it in YouTube. Don't think I'd be able to wear a headset while rowing!
VR, as in Virtual Reality? Whilst rowing? Wow, that would be strange, but I thought that before I tried rowing with eyes closed
[/quote]

Yeah proper VR with the massive headsets! I struggle with a sweatband on! It does look interesting though. The guy from dark horse rowing has a review video about it.
[/quote]
[/quote]

I think you just need a VR headset and your rower to do it. I know that you can do it with just the Samsung gear headset. If you had a full on Oculus set up, then you are probably going to obviously get it running smoother.
Neil
43yo 5ft 10, 75kg
Wirral, UK
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Bob Evans
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Re: Anyone tried VR rowing?

Post by Bob Evans » December 13th, 2020, 8:19 am

I cannot speak to your question about VR rowing but as far as motivation goes, I've found participating in C2's many Challenges a fantastic motivator. But a big one for me: a year ago I joined a virtual team -- there are hundreds. I have found the "competition" of being on the team has often pushed me past my personal goal for any given challenge. Too, if you haven't, spend some time in the Motivation section of the C2 website under Indoor Rowers for some ideas. Not high tech like VR but effective. BTW, I've been rowing since 2001 and still at it at 67 years old. Hope you can find something that works for you.

MiddleAgeCRISIS
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Re: Anyone tried VR rowing?

Post by MiddleAgeCRISIS » December 13th, 2020, 8:23 am

I just accept that i have to row then i watch youtube or more recently ive just thought about stuff.

I did lose interest when i tried to ensure i was entertained when rowing everyday and the entertainment became the focus rather than the row.

I guess i use it to train my mind as well as my body.

Bill
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Re: Anyone tried VR rowing?

Post by Bill » December 27th, 2020, 6:48 am

Has anyone tried Holofit to do boxing simulations & games, on other systems they look like fun.

Not really VR but I used to like racing with Rowpro - worth a look if they are still around.
Bill
(6+ million metres on rowing machine all my PBs were long ago)

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