Supernatural is similar to Peloton, but for the metaverse – it is the best way to get a virtual reality workout that is also enjoyable

I’ve been thinking about getting a , like so many other people who have been dealing with the plague for the past two years. Apart from the fact that it appeared to be a terrific method to be active while being socially isolated, the thought of being a part of a virtual fitness club seemed ideal at a time when finding any form of in-person community was difficult.

I came close to pulling the trigger a couple of times, but was always deterred by the expensive cost and deteriorating reputation. Plus, where would I put it if I didn’t have anywhere to put it? In addition, how would it perform in my impending relocation?

Thankfully, I acquired a bit tougher by the urge to purchase a , and whereas it took some looking out, I lastly discovered a sport that scratches that Peloton itch: . 

What’s Supernatural?

is a virtual reality fitness game that immerses players in a world of their own. There are magnificent sites all around the world where you can get a full-body workout. Anywhere and at any time as long as you have your VR headset with you, you can engage in gameplay.

How gameplay works in Supernatural

characteristic gameplay mode is called Flow, and it involves using your controllers to crush oncoming targets to the beat of a song while simultaneously kneeling and lunging to fit your body underneath groups of triangles, as demonstrated in the video below. If you’ve played previous rhythm games such as Beat Saber or Audio Trip, you’ll find it to be quite similar to those games.

Each Flow session takes place in a breathtaking location (for example, the Bolivian salt flats or an Icelandic volcano) and comprises of two to eight songs of target-smashing interspersed with a warm-up and cool-down. A coach will accompany you during the warm-up and cool-down periods, as well as provide voiceover support throughout the rhythm work session.

Boxing is also available on Supernatural, although with alterations such that the hand actions are more like jabs and the footwork is more ducking and dodging in nature. You can also participate in meditations and things called Moments, which are short periods of time during which you simply relax at a selected area for a few minutes.

Value and technical necessities

You want an Oculus Quest or VR headset to play Supernatural. The sport is not out there for different VR units like or . The headset is little doubt the most essential upfront price, with a Quest 2 at present retailing for $300. That mentioned, you play many different video games than simply Supernatural with it.

Oculus Quest 2

The game itself is free to download, but in order to play it you must subscribe to it on a monthly or annual basis. The monthly option costs $19 per month and includes a 7-day free trial, while the yearly option costs $180 per year and includes a 14-day free trial. Both options are available in English and Spanish.

Using a phone app (available for Android and iPhone) and acan help you get the most out of the game, however neither is needed.

What it wishes to play Supernatural

I attempted three completely different rhythm video games for my earlier than I got here to ; however, none of them held my consideration very lengthily. I used to be glad Supernatural supplied a free trial, so I might see what it was about earlier than committing.

As it turned out, it only took a couple of songs for me to get completely sucked in. Supernatural provides everything I’ve been looking for in a good fitness routine: excellent music, motivational instructors, and a whole lot of enjoyment.

The game provides an excellent cardiovascular exercise (I have the sweat and the sore muscles to prove it). The gameplay has a similar sensation to that of dancing or lightsaber fighting, and there are days when I play till I can’t move my arms anymore. Even if that happens, I’m itching to get back into the game.

It’s also quite beautiful to look at. Because foreign travel is currently on hold, I relish the opportunity to pretend I’m somewhere else in the globe, even if it’s only for a few minutes. I also get a sense of being transported by the choreography; at points, it feels like I’m orchestrating an orchestra or fighting a wizard in the style of Harry Potter, while at other times, it feels like I’m tossing combat ropes in a CrossFit gym.

Just like the instructors at Peloton, each coach at Supernatural has their own unique personality and sense of style. I enjoy Raneir Pollard’s workouts when I need a little additional pep in my step, and Leanne Pedante’s sessions when I need a confidence boost.

Because the site licenses music for its exercises, you’ll discover a vast selection of tunes to choose from, with new songs being added on a regular basis. Another issue I’ve had with other rhythm games is that they repeat the same few tunes over and over again. The fact that Supernatural incorporates two to three workouts per day means that there are new tunes and choreography to keep things interesting.

Aside from daily workouts, there’s also a large library of pre-existing routines that can be filtered by coach, class type, length, music genre, and level of intensity, among other criteria. The Disney workout, where you smash targets to the tunes of “Under the Sea” and “Let it Go,” and the Mood Booster class, which has The Verve’s “Bittersweet Symphony” and is conducted by Supernatural community member turned guest coach, Chesney Mariani, are two of my current favorite workouts.

Supernatural’s fan base is one of the show’s most important draws, and the show’s has roughly 43,000 members, which is highly active. A diverse group of people of all ages, talents, and body shapes have gathered to offer support, share videos and workout recaps, and connect with new friends to join in the fun.

There are four levels of difficulty in the game’s workouts: low, medium, hard, and just for pros. So far, I’ve restricted myself to low and medium settings, and I’ve found them to be sufficiently intense. I attempted one difficult workout, and while I made it through, it is still a category that I am working my way up to.

Each leaderboard in the game assigns a ranking to everyone you’re following based on how hard and how long they’ve worked out that week. It’s intrinsically stimulating to strive for the top rank, and because you can personalise your leaderboard, community members typically look to people their own age and ability level for incentive. The coaches for the game are also highly involved in the group, which is entertaining to watch.

I also appreciate the fact that you may play the game for as little as a few minutes or as long as an afternoon. The length of certain workouts is as little as eight minutes, and I’ve discovered that it’s simple to put on the headset and get a quick sweat in between meetings.

Cons to contemplate

Most of my “cons” for are merely cons to figuring it out in VR. For one, it is arduous to concentrate on your precise environment once you’re beating down targets within the digital world. I’ve hit the wall a couple of instances and as soon as knocked down a gentle overhead fixture with a solid upswing. 

I am sweating, whereas sporting a VR headset also can get awkward. Generally, after I’m a couple of songs right into an exercise, my headset will get so foggy with sweat I can barely see. Many Supernatural devotees within the Fb group swear by specialized headsets or bands just like the or the , although I’ve to make use of both.

Kiwi Head Strap for Oculus

Oculus Quest 2 Elite Strap

Regarding the game itself, I mostly wish that you could either skip particular songs during a workout or save your favorite songs to be played at a later time. Instead, you must complete the entire workout in order to hear one music that you enjoy. I’m sure that music licensing is a concern, but it would be fantastic to be able to construct my own playlists.

The bottom line is as follows:

Supernatural is one of the most enjoyable workouts I’ve ever done, virtual reality or not. The engaging gameplay and encouraging community are two of my favorite aspects of the game. If you’ve been seeking for an at-home workout that has some of the feel of a group class but is more accessible, I believe Supernatural will satisfy your needs.