Several years ago I saw my first demo of a virtual reality headset being used to augment a workout routine. (A Google search returns hundreds of photos of various examples.) While interesting in theory, it quickly became apparent that the solution wasn’t going to fit my workout needs as the headset would get far too hot and sweaty for my liking.

Take VIRZoom’s product as an example… For a casual ride, VR could be interesting as it transported riders to far away or imaginary places. However, as workout intensity increases the utility of the headset would plummet. (Hot headsets, fogged screens, and cleanliness are just a few of the issues likely to pop up.)

Instead, Augmented Reality (the visual overlay of data on your surrounds) would make for a much more interesting experience… and this setup in a mall in Asia for a competitive treadmill experience looks like a lot of fun.

Would you try it?

-Adam

PS: Check out this neat use of virtual reality designed to improve the snorkeling experience by BallastVR. (There are a few companies with submersible VR headset experiences.)