Almost everyone is aware of the incredible health benefits that regular exercise brings along: From a longer life expectancy to better sleep quality and so many other aspects. It is absolutely essential for a healthy and balanced life. However, studies show over and over again that we just don’t exercise enough. One reason is that working out can be hard, tiring and repetitive.

This is exactly what I set out to do and created a completely novel approach using virtual reality technology called flyfit vr. By combining one of the most popular and effective exercises - the pull-up - with VR technology I was able to create an innovative workout in which the users can immerse themselves in an exciting virtual experience while performing highly intensive exercises.

While they are hanging on a pullup bar they are piloting a glider in the virtual world that is flying over a realistic island with mountains, beaches and valleys. To control the glider he can perform various fitness exercises. The pullup bar is uniquely designed to accommodate and track the movements and make the experience feel more intuitive and realistic.

Of course, there are already applications available that combine sports and VR. Firstly, there are apps that just use the headset and controllers and therefore enable an easy but rather ineffective training. The other ones rely on expensive exercise equipment like rowing machines which usually costs upwards of $1000.

flyfit combines the advantages of both options while not sacrificing on price or user experience. I am going to sell the custom-built pullup bars required for the workout for $49 and the corresponding software as a subscription for $8.99 a month. My target audience are customers who already own a VR headset and want to use it for effective and fun exercising.

The technology is fully developed and was awarded first prize on the state level of Germany’s national science competition for high school students. A patent applicatoin has also been submitted.