Real Hiking in a Virtual World

Jbomhoff

Real movement in a virtual world is not an intense workout but, I think virtual hiking apps like Illusion Trails, which is coming out soon, show a lot of promise.

Apps like this are simple to work and can be used with a large screen TV or 3D goggles to put you in a virtual world. I think the fact that you are engaged and get to pick the trails you want to walk down (you hit a touch area on the phone) is significant. To a lot of people, getting motivated is very important. It's great to know exactly how many steps you are going and that you are challenging yourself or someone in a forum, but those are numbers and internal goals and thoughts and, in a way, it disconnects you from the world.

Becoming engaged in the sights and sounds of a realistic or fantasy world (it is supposed to come with quite a variety) is very motivating. Hopefully, you forget that you are burning calories and collecting steps and start wondering what is up ahead around the other side of the mountain, or down in the canyon behind the waterfall, etc.

What do you think about them?

leoniemcdee

It's your game, right?

CafeRacer808

Personally, I think they're rubbish. One of the huge upsides of hiking, IMO, is being able to experience all that nature has to offer. And that goes beyond just seeing and hearing it. Smelling it, touching it, breathing in fresh air, reaching a peak or summit and taking in the view...all of those things important to me and a simulator, be it on a standard monitor or in VR, just isn't the same. If I'm stuck on a treadmill, I'd rather listen to music, podcasts, or an audiobook.

shortie51

I think it sounds like a great idea. Not everyone likes the outdoors but wants to get exercise and have fun doing it. Also, great for the bad weather days. We will be able to experience different places without even leaving the house. They plan on having different worlds so once you complete one you can go into the next and don't have to worry about getting bored with the app.
I am looking forward to it!

Machka9

I'd rather hike outside.

Jbomhoff

Yes, It's my game. I agree with you completely. I'd rather hike outside too and for the same reasons you mention, but I live in Florida and their are some days that are killer hot. It's not really intended as a replacement to hiking outside it's more of a replacement to sitting around the house and not doing anything. Some people, like me, are not as driven to exercise as we should be and I thought that maybe the destinations in a virtual world might be motivational. Wouldn't you think so?