Page 1 of 2

Anyone tried VR rowing?

Posted: November 23rd, 2020, 10:54 am
by fitavita
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.

Re: Anyone tried VR rowing?

Posted: November 23rd, 2020, 1:51 pm
by Dangerscouse
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.

Re: Anyone tried VR rowing?

Posted: November 23rd, 2020, 3:41 pm
by neil262
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!

Re: Anyone tried VR rowing?

Posted: November 23rd, 2020, 5:02 pm
by Dangerscouse
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

Re: Anyone tried VR rowing?

Posted: November 23rd, 2020, 5:16 pm
by neil262
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.

Re: Anyone tried VR rowing?

Posted: November 23rd, 2020, 5:35 pm
by robbiep
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

Re: Anyone tried VR rowing?

Posted: November 23rd, 2020, 7:50 pm
by mict450
My sweat would probably destroy the headset in no time.

Re: Anyone tried VR rowing?

Posted: November 23rd, 2020, 8:18 pm
by 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

Re: Anyone tried VR rowing?

Posted: November 24th, 2020, 8:47 am
by fitavita
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]

Re: Anyone tried VR rowing?

Posted: November 24th, 2020, 9:07 am
by c2jonw
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!

Re: Anyone tried VR rowing?

Posted: November 24th, 2020, 9:23 am
by fitavita
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]

Re: Anyone tried VR rowing?

Posted: November 24th, 2020, 10:26 am
by neil262
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.

Re: Anyone tried VR rowing?

Posted: December 13th, 2020, 8:19 am
by Bob Evans
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.

Re: Anyone tried VR rowing?

Posted: December 13th, 2020, 8:23 am
by MiddleAgeCRISIS
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.

Re: Anyone tried VR rowing?

Posted: December 27th, 2020, 6:48 am
by Bill
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.