I Tried Virtual Reality Rowing...I Wasn’t Expecting THIS

JOIN THE DARK HORSE FAMILY
🏴 THE CREW TRAINING PLAN: APP.DARKHORSEROWING.COM

MY GEAR
(If you're buying any gear & you find value in our videos, please consider buying through our links as at no extra cost to you we make a commission and it helps us to continue bringing you great content)

ELECTRONICS

MOBILITY TOOLS

GREAT BOOKS TO UNDERSTAND ROWING

FOLLOW

[chuck]

I was wondering when this would happen! Now I can get seasick on an indoor rower... the ultimate experience.

[vinnyavallone]

I would absolutely try this. Like you said, it eliminates all distractions and immerses you in your workout.

[Ekaterinazeigst]

I knew you had reviewed Holofit! Finally, I found the video. I get easily bored with any equipment. I tried the free version to see if I liked using it with my water rower. I ended it up rowing for twice as long. Before getting a full subscription, I wanted to rewatch your review. I enjoy rowing, but I need constant changes to stay interested. This seems to fit the bill. Love pretending I'm not in my current location, lol! Thanks for all you do for the rowing community; it's definitely one of my favourite activities.

[gabijones]

This looks wicked, would love it as a non vr option, with better graphics. Would definitely make working out at home so much more fun. Thanks Shane.

[vibrissuss]

have used VR before and like everything, there's a learning curve. I like the graphics that keep my head engaged. tom

[bashq]

I and my sons immediately felt unnerved by the rower going forwards. My wife, who uses the erg, but hasn't rowed, didn't notice. But I want that corrected the first time I use it ... I don't want to have to go through levels to get that fixed. Then I want my avatar to match my stroke rate, and if he can get in sync (seems possible), then I'm buying one for sure.
Once that's set up, I want to row the Dad Vail course, and set my opponents to match one of my old races. (OK, in reality I want them slowed down for age!). Anyways, lots of potential there -- put the opponents in their team uniforms, take me back to my youth ... let my kids row one of my old races. Hah! That could be a lot of fun. Thanks for the video!

[dba]

Hey Shane. Thanks very much for this. This is your best video ever. I knew that the VR Holofit software was gonna blow your mind. It definitely beats Liverowing. I like Holofit mostly because it makes stationary indoor rowing significantly more fun to do. By it being more fun, my rowing sessions have become longer and more frequent which has helped me to lose weight and get fitter quicker. Note that the Holofit software can be used with rowers, bikes and ellipticals. But I prefer indoor rowing because it offers a better all around workout.

However, unless you’re a rowing enthusiast or part of a rowing club or team, stationary indoor rowing for fitness can get rather boring. VR software like Holofit makes you forget you’re even rowing and when you’re done you’re surprised, amazed and delighted by how long you rowed. This appears to have been an introduction to VR for you. But you already see how VR can make indoor rowing much more appealing to non-rowers and motivate them to do more on the rowers. But VR has many other useful applications as well.

Anyway, I hope you make more cool videos like this. And if I come across anything else interesting, I’ll drop you a note again. Take care.

[bradchapman]

You sound like my mom trying to explain this tech 😂🤣. Was it more motivating than just sitting on a rower staring at the wall? My wife needs distractions to get through a workout.

[EdwardsNH]

The "recalibrate to your body" feeling takes about a week or two to get over, but you do eventually stop getting that feeling.

[jewelbell]

Preordered the quest 3 to go with my rower, can't wait to get started!!

[ironmanix]

WOW! No way. I have to order one now. I didn't even think to do this. Thanks for sharing Shane!

[TrueBlindGaming]

“Rowing without being able to see your surroundings” lol that truly made me laugh and fumbling to find your water bottle. Lol yup, been there a lot :)

[Davedeschenes]

FYI: You are supposed to be able to double tap the side of the quest to see the outside world.

[MusCJay]

I'd definitely try it. Sure, the graphics aren't where they could be in 2020. But I think it's a good start and I'm very curious to see where Holofit is going to be in two or three years from now. Thanks for the great walkthrough, DH!

[jeradwaas]

Did you have any issues rowing for a good amount of time and sweating with VR helmet on? Did it ever mess with the display or anything like that?

[GetOffMyyLawn]

Does sweating alot cause a problem for anyone? I've been thinking about vr rowing for a while, and sweat + expensive vr headset seems to be a bad match up. It also seems like some additional sensors should be added to track either hand position or chain extension, and also seat position. That would probably reduce the vr sickness.

[BurtDavis]

I just placed the order to upgrade my PM3 to a PM5. I already have an Oculus 2. I'm looking forward to the additional motivation to get me to row more.

[TCTCTCTCTC]

Thanks so much for this incredibly informative, clear video. Really helps me cement my choice to try it!

[RichardServello]

We just got this rower...and I didn't even know it did this. I just connected it and tried the demo....what a cool experience! I signed up for the trial and I will probably sign up for the year.

[boembiggi]

Looks great! looks like a fun way to challenge urself ! yet no funds to buy yet; will follow the market