Fitness
VR Home Gym: Fitness Is Virtual But The Great Workout Is Real
The Virtual Reality “Flow” workout on Supernatural lets you wield one or two batons at fast moving … [+]
Imagine a home gym. Now take away the treadmill, the bike, the weights, all that pricy and bulky gear. What do you have left? Room for a virtual reality workout.
A friend of mine who is a medical doctor in Texas was the first one who told me how much he loved VR workouts, and how he had ditched everything else in his home gym for it, so I wanted to see what it was all about. After all, who would I take health advice from if not an actual doctor?
I’m not saying we should abolish conventional fitness gear anytime soon, and I’m keeping my Peloton bike and my elliptical and my weights, but for the past few months I’ve also been doing workouts with one of the most popular virtual reality (VR) fitness apps on the market, Supernatural, and boy do you get an intense workout—if you want. One of the great things about it is that the workouts are very self-selective, with no other classmates to judge you, and so many levels of intensity that you can dial it in very precisely to your fitness level, goals and motivation.
This is what Boxing looks like in your home.
One big appeal of the VR workout is that it takes no equipment except the headset, no special dedicated space, and it’s highly portable, perfect for working out on the road in hotel rooms or second homes. You can even do it outside if you have a backyard or similar. But another big part of the appeal is that it can be really fun, a word not often associated with most home gym workouts. It’s not for everyone, but if you skew towards video games or cinematic experiences, it might just be for you.
With the holiday season coming, and the inevitable New Year’s resolutions, a VR headset fitness bundle also can make a fantastic holiday gift for the person on your list who wants or needs to spice up their fitness routine.
This is what Boxing looks like in the Supernatural VR app.
NPR just did a story on the rising popularity of VR workouts, noting that as many as two million people do them regularly, and a key takeaway was that a 20-minute workout can burn the same number of calories as a bike class routine of the same length. They picked Supernatural, the app I’ve been using, as one of the 5 Best on the market, and noted that it is so popular that Meta bought its developer for over $400 million. NPR said, “it’s a polished experience with beautiful locations from around the world, popular music you’ll recognize, and exuberant trainers with two main workout types—Boxing and Flow.”
Polished to say the least. The big appeal is the environments which are so immersive and realistic it is hard to imagine until you try it, moving you to locates such as Iceland’s famous Blue Lagoon, mountain tops, and you’ll do workouts while floating on platforms in crazy gorgeous lakes. There are a lot of things about Supernatural that remind me of the incredibly popular Star Wars movies, and that’s one of them. The music is also notable, and like Peloton, Supernatural uses hit songs by top artists, something many programs can’t afford in terms of royalties.
Respected technology site TechRadar.com sung the praises of VR workouts and how they finally let the senior writer, Hamish Hector, stick to his fitness goal. “My VR fitness experiment began on January 28 and finished on February 29. True to my intention, I exercised in VR for at least 15 minutes every single day. (Okay, I skipped four days due to a handful of (valid) excuses.) For the remaining 29 days, I used a selection of VR apps that either involve a lot of movement—Beat Saber, Pistol Whip, and OhShape—or dedicated VR workout experiences to get into shape. By far my favorite was Supernatural, which is an excellent VR fitness package.”
The display inside the MetaQuest 3 headset upon entering the Supernatural app
Hector added that in addition to the quality of the workouts themselves, there were several other advantages to VR. “You can set your goals to whatever level you’re comfortable with without worrying about people watching and judging you—you’re free to give it a go to the best of your ability…VR workouts are certainly fun and accessible, and I’m sticking with them longer than more traditional exercise.”
After much preliminary research, Supernatural was my choice as well, paired with the MetaQuest 3 headset. In that research I discovered it is hard to find a bad review of Supernatural. The Today Show said: “I tried Supernatural and was surprised at how much fun a workout could be,” and “The premise sounds basic, but it is so addicting once you get started.” AthletetchNews.com said “Those looking to add a little magic to their workouts should look no further than Supernatural.” Business Insider: “Supernatural is like Peloton but for the metaverse—here’s why the VR fitness app is my new favorite way to work out.”
The two main high intensity workouts are Boxing and Flow, which are similar. In Boxing objects come at you and you have to hit them with your fists (it’s not a conventional boxing match against an opponent) and you also have to duck and move, and it quickly gets really intense. Flow is similar but you use a virtual baton, which sort of reminded me of the Jedi training sequence in the original Star Wars (Episode 4) with the lightsaber and the remote flying ball.
Guided stretching is a good post-workout cool down.
I preferred the boxing, which is very arm intensive, and afterwards I often felt like I did when I lift weights. But it is mostly aerobic, you’ll sweat, and it very much engages the core and lower body, especially with the frequent ducking/squatting.
For each activity there are multiple coaches and multiple settings to choose from and the realism, immersion and incredible clarity of the virtual settings is mind boggling. You really can’t appreciate how detailed and colorful and lively these settings are until you put the headset on yourself.
In addition to Boxing and Flow, Supernatural offers Meditation, which gets rave reviews but simply is not my thing, and Recover, which is sort of yoga light plus stretching and cool down, guided by coaches just like the more intense classes.
Besides the workouts, there are a lot of other things to love about the technology and the programming, including the music, excellent coaches presented in a way that makes it feel so personal it is like private training even though they are pre-recorded, and the 360-degree settings, both imagined and real, from the Pyramids of Giza to Machu Picchu.
It’s also very encouraging, and there seems to be a specific ethos to the instruction and language that makes the whole experience less competitive and more supportive than many other exercise platforms I’ve tried. I love my Peloton universe, but many of the instructors have a “push through” aesthetic, forcing those last reps “because this is where the gain is” or a “don’t quit now” approach. The Supernatural vibe is much more “be the best you possible” in way that feels genuine, not forced, and it may be the reason why so many critics who have problems sticking with other routines kept coming back. I think it is an especially good choice for those who are not into fitness, and view a workout as something they need to do for health rather than something they want to do.
The most recenlty added feature is Supernatural Together, which lets you work out with friends or … [+]
The newest wrinkle is an extension of the platform called Supernatural Together that lets you work out and connect with your friends in real-time in virtual reality, where you can see, interact and chat with each other. If you don’t have friends using it, you can use their Quick Match tool to find a new workout partner.
This is quite a departure, as one big appeal of Supernatural is that you are on your own, without judgment or pressure or the person next to you in a class setting, and for those who want that, it’s still the core of the app. But there are also many people who can only commit to workouts that are scheduled, in a class, time and day setting where they have to show up, and for them there is the new feature. The concept is called “Workout Accountability,” and the company cites studies showing that those who exercise with a friend are 32% more likely to reach sufficient physical activity.
A couple of caveats. I do not have trouble sticking with other routines, and my interest is more than general wellness and overall fitness. I am more focused on performance, and because Ido a lot of outdoor cycling, so I want to cycle inside because that’s the best training, and the same goes for runners and treadmills. Supernatural is more like a gym aerobics class in that it’s a great workout but not aimed at sport-specific results. There are still a lot of benefits to weight training you won’t get by moving your arms in boxing maneuvers. For me it’s a great part of a bigger fitness program, alongside other workout modalities. but for those who are just going to do one thing, it’s the perfect solution. With the four options, the offerings are limited, and I’d love to see something you could do on a bike, more serious yoga classes, or more alternatives, period. That being said, it is excellent at what it does, there were no real flaws or weaknesses with the platform, it’s very well executed, and the price is absolutely right.
A subscription to the Supernatural app is just $9.99 a month, or less than a quarter of what I pay each month for my Peloton membership. Many gyms charge $25-$50 to take a single class. And that’s the high-priced way to join. You can pay annually, $99.99 or just over eight bucks a month. They also sell two headset bundles that include a full year of Supernatural, along with the Meta Quest 3 for $550 and the new Meta Quest 3S for $350.
Supernatural is a great post-pandemic product, especially for those who have gone to remote work from home, it’s truly an escape in the most literal sense of the word, for 20 or 40 or 60 minutes a day, without leaving, even in a small apartment (you need at least a 6-foot circle of empty floor space, and more is better). It is especially good for people who need more exercise and are not getting it through gym membership, classes or self-motivation, and for many it can be the primary form of exercise. But it can also be part of more comprehensive routine, which it is for me, not a daily session but an alternative to biking, running or hiking, adding to the mix, varying muscle groups and movements, and definitely burning calories. It’s also great for rainy days and travel.
The Washington Post’s review, written by a tester who “detests” fitness classes and says that “fitness instruction unsettles me in a way I can’t fully describe,” hit the nail on the head: “What sets Supernatural apart from other fitness classes and apps, to me, is how it is calibrated. Its goal isn’t to work users into sweat puddles. It isn’t trying to turn users into Olympians, beauty pageant contestants or other paragons of fitness and fabulous physiques. There’s no focus on dropping pounds. The goal is to achieve an incrementally fitter version of you. So all of that encouragement hits me differently from the approach of some boot camp commandant. It feels attainable — and, more important, it keeps me coming back.”
Fitness
Home Gym Supplies Squat Rack Cage Package Released to Market for Exercise Lovers by Strongway Gym Supplies
Coventry, UK – March 02, 2026 – PRESSADVANTAGE –
Strongway Gym Supplies has released squat rack cage packages to the market for exercise enthusiasts across the United Kingdom. The packages combine squat cage frames with safety features suited to home-based strength training, now available through the company’s online platform.
The power cage design centres on four vertical posts connected by horizontal crossbeams. Adjustable safety bars mount between the posts at various heights, catching the barbell if a lift cannot be completed. This safety mechanism becomes relevant during heavy squats or bench presses performed without a training partner present to assist with failed attempts.
J-hooks secure the barbell at the proper beginning positions for various exercises by fastening to the posts at predetermined heights. Quick adjustments between squats, presses, and other barbell movements are made possible by the hooks’ ability to slide up or down the posts and lock into position using pin mechanisms. Depending on the exercise being done, pull-up bars that extend across the top of the frame provide grip positions that vary from wide to narrow.
Mandip Walia, Co-Director at Strongway Gym Supplies, said the cage addresses concerns people have about training alone at home. “Without someone there to spot, there’s always the question of what happens if the weight gets too heavy midway through a set,” he noted. “The safety bars remove that worry. Position them correctly and they’ll catch the bar before it pins someone. That makes a genuine difference in how hard someone can train when working solo, especially on exercises like squats where bail-out options are limited.”
Steel tubing forms the frame structure, with powder-coated finishes applied to resist corrosion in garage environments where humidity fluctuates. Bolt-together construction allows the cage to be disassembled if relocation becomes necessary, though the assembled weight often exceeds 100 kilograms once all components are secured together.
Weight storage pegs project from the rear posts on most models, keeping plates within reach whilst adding mass that stabilises the frame during use. The pegs typically accommodate enough plates to load a barbell for intermediate to advanced training sessions without running out of storage capacity.
The complete range of home fitness equipment, include squat racks, is available to be explored at: https://strongway.co.uk/collections/home-fitness.
The cages fit into garages, spare rooms, and basement areas commonly found in UK residential properties. Height clearance sits around 210 centimetres for most models, working under standard ceiling heights but potentially tight in older homes or loft conversions where ceilings run lower. Floor space requirements roughly match that of a small garden shed once the cage stands fully assembled.
The width of the frame includes the length of the Olympic barbell and the space needed to safely enter and exit during exercises. If the dimensions are too narrow, the posts get in the way of natural movement patterns. If they are too wide, they take up too much floor space. Most manufacturers try to find a balance between these factors, but the exact measurements vary from model to model.
Band pegs feature on some cages, providing anchor points at floor level for resistance bands. This allows accommodating resistance during squats and presses, where band tension increases as the bar rises through the movement. The technique has found followers among strength training practitioners, though it remains less widespread than traditional plate loading.
Full details about the squat rack power cage can be viewed at: https://strongway.co.uk/products/strongway-multi-gym-squat-rack-power-cage.
Randeep Walia, Co-Director at Strongway Gym Supplies, remarked that cage packages align with how people actually approach home training. “Training at home has proven effective for improving muscle strength, endurance, and power when maintained consistently,” he explained. “Frequency matters more than location. Training more than three times weekly produces better outcomes, and having a cage at home eliminates the travel time and scheduling constraints that often interrupt consistency. The cage becomes the foundation. Everything else—bench, bar, plates—gets arranged around it.”
Dispatch runs across mainland UK addresses with timelines confirmed during checkout. The cages arrive in multiple boxes given the size and weight of individual components. Instructions guide assembly, though managing the heavier frame sections works considerably better with two people rather than attempting solo construction.
Packages can be purchased as cage-only units or complete setups that include benches, barbells, and weight plates. Pricing reflects the total equipment included, with buyers selecting options based on what they already own versus what needs acquiring.
The release tracks with patterns observed in the UK home fitness market where demand for core strength training equipment holds steady. Power cages appeal to users seeking barbell training capabilities with built-in safety features, particularly relevant for individuals training without supervision or access to spotters during heavier lifting sessions.
Those interested in exploring the range of exercise equipment available at Strongway Gym Supplies can visit: https://strongway.co.uk/.
###
For more information about Strongway Gym Supplies, contact the company here:
Strongway Gym Supplies
Mandip Walia
+44-800-001-6093
sales@strongway.co.uk
Strongway Gym Supplies, 26 The Pavilion, Coventry CV3 1QP, United Kingdom
Information contained on this page is provided by an independent third-party content provider. XPRMedia and this Site make no warranties or representations in connection therewith. If you are affiliated with this page and would like it removed please contact pressreleases@xpr.media
Fitness
At 72, Oprah swears by this specific move for full-body strength – here’s why it’s so effective
Oprah Winfrey, 72, has been vocal about her weight loss journey in recent years, revealing that maintaining fitness, particularly through strength training, has been crucial while using GLP-1s. Such is her love for these newfound fitness habits that she even did a 72-minute workout to celebrate her 72nd birthday earlier this year.
Now, the talk show host has taken to Instagram to share with her followers a specific strength move that has quickly become a staple in her routine: kettlebell swings.
Why are kettlebell swings effective?
‘Kettlebell swings are one of the most efficient movements because they combine strength, power and cardiovascular conditioning in one exercise,’ says Alice Jordan, a women’s strength and hormone health coach. ‘They target the posterior chain – glutes, hamstrings and lower back – which is especially important for women as we age, helping to improve posture, reduce back pain and support metabolism.’
Jordan adds that kettlebell swings ‘also elevate the heart rate quickly, making them ideal for busy women who want maximum results in minimal time,’ and that when incorporated into your routine correctly, they ‘can improve fat loss, core stability and overall functional strength, which carries over into everyday movement and injury prevention.’
Another key benefit that makes kettlebell swings such an effective movement for women as they age? ‘They help build explosive strength and bone density – both crucial for women during and after menopause.’
How to do kettlebell swings
It’s important to take the time to properly learn the right technique – as Oprah said she did. Alongside the video she posted on Instagram of her performing the exercise, Oprah wrote ‘I first saw other people doing kettlebell swings so skillfully that I didn’t attempt them for at least a year! Now Trainer Peter is always right by my side to course correct me so I’m doing them right – and I think I finally got the swing of them.’
Explaining how to do kettlebell swings, Jordan says that ‘the movement should come from the hips, not the lower back or shoulders. Think about pushing your hips back, keeping your spine neutral, and then powerfully driving the hips forward. This helps target the glutes and reduces the risk of injury.’
When it comes to ensuring that you choose the right weight, Jordan adds that a ‘good starting point for most women is a kettlebell between 6-10kg – but the key is that it should feel challenging enough to drive the hips forward without using the arms.’
‘If you can easily lift it with your shoulders, it’s usually too light. Many beginners actually benefit from going slightly heavier so they learn proper hip hinge mechanics,’ she flags.
How often to do kettlebell swings
So, how often should you do the move per week? ‘For beginners, I’d typically recommend starting with 2-3 sets of 10-15 reps, focusing on good technique and plenty of rest between sets,’ says Jordan. ‘The priority early on is learning the hip hinge and building confidence with the movement, rather than pushing volume too quickly.’
Doing this 2-3 times per week works well for most beginners, she adds, as it ‘allows enough time to recover while still building strength, power and cardiovascular fitness.’ When your technique and fitness improve, you ‘can gradually increase either the number of sets or include swings as part of full-body workouts.’
‘It’s also helpful for beginners to keep sessions relatively short and stop before fatigue affects form, as this reduces the risk of injury and helps reinforce good movement patterns.’
Common mistakes to avoid
Jordan says common mistakes to avoid include:
- Turning the swing into a squat rather than a hinge
- Lifting the kettlebell with the arms instead of letting momentum and hip power do the work
- Rounding the back and going too heavy too quickly
It really is important to be patient and take some time to get your form exactly right – as it will mean you’ll get the most out of the exercise in the long run.
Hannah Bradfield is a Senior Health and Fitness Writer for Women’s Health UK. An NCTJ-accredited journalist, Hannah graduated from Loughborough University with a BA in English and Sport Science and an MA in Media and Cultural Analysis. She has been covering sports, health and fitness for the last five years and has created content for outlets including BBC Sport, BBC Sounds, Runner’s World and Stylist. She especially enjoys interviewing those working within the community to improve access to sport, exercise and wellness. Hannah is a 2024 John Schofield Trust Fellow and was also named a 2022 Rising Star in Journalism by The Printing Charity. A keen runner, Hannah was firmly a sprinter growing up (also dabbling in long jump) but has since transitioned to longer-distance running. While 10K is her favoured race distance, she loves running or volunteering at parkrun every Saturday, followed, of course, by pastries. She’s always looking for fun new runs and races to do and brunch spots to try.
Fitness
The Workout Habit That Can Become Harm
If your day begins with a HIIT class and ends with the saintly glow of “I’ve been good,” you’re not alone. Regular movement can lighten stress, settle anxiety, and generally make the world feel a little less like a group chat on deadline. But for a small group of gym-goers, exercise addiction isn’t a punchline or a humblebrag — it’s a real behavioural pattern that can quietly bulldoze daily life.
Researchers in Budapest have suggested that for around 0.3 to 0.5% of gym-goers, working out and the quest for ultimate wellness can tip into unhealthy obsession. And a separate study from Anglia Ruskin University found the risk rises sharply for people with a history of eating disorders — with researchers reporting you’re nearly four times more likely to experience exercise addiction if you’ve previously had anorexia or bulimia.
It’s an uncomfortable twist, because exercise is supposed to be the good bit. The socially approved coping mechanism. The one that gets likes, not concerned phone calls.
Why “Healthy” Can Be a Convenient Disguise
Wellness culture has a curious magic trick: it can make rigid rules look like discipline. Eight hours’ sleep becomes a badge of honour. “Clean eating” becomes a personality. And a workout missed can feel, for some, less like a rest day and more like a moral failure.
That’s what makes compulsive exercise hard to spot — especially during or after recovery from disordered eating. To friends and family, it can look like someone has “sorted themselves out.” Under the surface, the engine can be the same: fear, control, anxiety — just with different gym kit.
As Eating Disorders Awareness Week begins (March 2–8), we spoke to experts about wellness, disordered exercise, and the additional risks for those with a history of eating disorders.
Can Eating Disorders Be Replaced by Exercise Addiction?
Kerrie Jones, a psychotherapist specialising in eating disorders and clinical director of treatment centre Orri, says eating disorders and exercise addiction often share the same roots — and the same function.
“Eating disorders, like exercise addiction, arise when we have lived through an experience – or lots of different experiences – that have taught us that we’re not safe in our day-to-day lives,” she says.
“Obsessing about food, weight or exercise is a behavioural mechanism that has developed as a means of keeping us feeling safe and in control when otherwise we’d feel overwhelmed with fear and anxiety.”
Jones explains that these behaviours can narrow a person’s focus to what feels measurable and manageable — calories, reps, weight, shape — while masking the deeper fear underneath.
“We call these ‘maladaptive’ coping mechanisms, as they develop through seemingly good intentions, but to the detriment of our longer-term physical and mental health.
“Sometimes, when people reach a point in their recovery where they are stable and functioning, they may move from an obsessive relationship to food, to an obsessive relationship to exercise.”
And because exercise is widely applauded — and often actively encouraged — the behaviour can stick around far longer than people realise.
“It’s a much more socially accepted and idolised means of maintaining obsessive behavioural patterns,” says Jones, which means it can linger for years before someone seeks help.
What Drives Exercise Addiction Psychologically?
There’s rarely one neat cause. It’s more often an overlap of biology, social pressure, past experiences, and psychology — with a particular role for trauma and learned patterns of control.
“There’s no one reason or cause why someone might develop an eating disorder or exercise addiction, however, it’s often a combination of social, genetic and psychological factors,” says Jones. “Commonly, we find a negative life experience or traumatic experience at the root.”
Chartered psychologist and Healthspan ambassador Dr Meg Aroll says more research is needed specifically on exercise addiction, but we already know a lot about how behavioural addictions operate — particularly the loop of compulsive thoughts and repeated behaviours.
“We know that it’s important to change patterns of ruminative and compulsive thoughts in people with behavioural addictions, which is why treatments such as cognitive behavioural therapy are likely to be of help.”
In plain terms: it’s not about willpower. It’s about patterns — and treating what’s driving them.
Signs to Watch For: When Training Turns Compulsive
There’s no single template for exercise addiction. People don’t present in one uniform way, and “looking fit” tells you precisely nothing about what’s happening mentally.
But there are common warning signs, especially when exercise becomes less about wellbeing and more about relief, guilt, or control.
Jones says a person might:
- Feel guilt and shame about missing exercise routines
- Keep secrecy around how much they’re exercising
- Continue to workout when ill, exhausted or injured
- Prioritise exercise repeatedly over family, friends, work, and recovery
That last point matters. Training that regularly trumps relationships, rest, or basic health isn’t “dedication.” It’s a red flag waving in fluorescent gym lighting.
Does Social Media Make It Worse?
Social media can be supportive — community can be a lifeline — but it can also validate compulsive habits. A life organised entirely around workouts can look, online, like “motivation,” when the reality might be anxiety management dressed up as routine.
“For people who are predisposed to eating disorders or behavioural addictions, wellness culture can appear to support and condone this type of maladaptive behaviour,” says Aroll.
“However, on its own, wellness and social media culture is not to blame – someone with such conditions will have a complex combination of factors in their life leading to their symptoms, which should be investigated fully and treated professionally.”
Jones adds that if you know you have an addictive personality, it’s worth curating your feed with intent — and unfollowing content that escalates guilt, restriction, body obsession, or punishment narratives.
What To Do If You’re Worried About Someone
The hardest part is saying something — and the most important part is saying it well. Jones recommends addressing it directly, but with care around timing, tone, and what you focus on.
“It’s important to broach the topic with them directly as their physical and mental health may be severely at risk,” says Jones. “Pick a time to talk when emotions aren’t running high, and where possible, try and avoid talking about exercise specifically or the more symptomatic aspects of exercise addiction or their eating disorder.
“Instead, focus your questions and concerns on how they’re feeling, underneath their day-to-day activities.
“Keep in mind that there are specialists out there who can help and the charity Beat has numerous resources on how to have a difficult conversation with someone.”
In other words: aim beneath the behaviour, toward the emotion.
Do We Need a Broader Conversation About “Healthy”?
Here’s the tricky bit. Health professionals rightly champion exercise for physical and mental health. But for people recovering from eating disorders — or with a vulnerability to compulsive behaviours — messaging can land differently. “More is better” can become a permission slip for harm.
“I think there needs to be a broader conversation about what it means to be ‘healthy’ and to live a ‘healthy lifestyle’,” says Jones. “What works for some, may not work for others, particularly if they’ve suffered with an eating disorder in the past and would have trouble maintaining a normal relationship to exercise and food.”
Jones says clinicians assessing physical health need to consider personal history and the intention behind the behaviour.
“If possible, we need to investigate the intention associated with exercise and unpick the feelings that arise before, during and after exercising.”
That’s the real measuring stick. Not calories burned, not streaks kept alive, not the smug serenity of a kale smoothie. If movement helps you live more freely, it’s doing its job. If it’s tightening the cage — especially in recovery — it’s time to call it what it may be: exercise addiction, and something that deserves proper support, not applause.
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