
We know making time to work out can be a challenge. From finding a fitness routine you actually like to remembering to bring your yoga mat to work, it’s easy to let a few days (or weeks) go between your sweat sessions. For years, trainers and equipment companies have been trying to come up with ideas to make exercise easier to stick with it. Now German design firm Hyve has created a workout station that allows users to virtually simulate all kinds of cool stuff, including exercise. That’s right, even exercise is going the virtual route.
The station, named Icaros, provides a far more inclusive and intensive workout than any virtual-reality video game ever could. According to Senior Innovation Designer and exercise enthusiast Johannes Scholl, the design works by using balance. You lay horizontally, using mainly left, right, up and down movements, which tones muscles while increasing balance and flexibility. Repetition allows users to tighten motions while improving at the game. The motions are then sent into the machine using your phone’s accelerometer (an electromechanical device that measures acceleration forces) and into the virtual world through sensors, thus transporting you into the scene.
Since 2012, Hyve has worked diligently with bodybuilders, focus groups and various concepts to get to this current prototype. The machine would allow you to work out over mountains or cross huge bodies of water, all while in the comfort of your own home. With so many VR scenes to choose from, you’ll never complain about a boring workout ever again.
Hyve is planning a crowdfunding campaign that will hit the Internet this coming summer, so keep your eyes, wallet and muscles ready.
Would virtual reality make you more inclined to work out? Leave your thoughts below in our comments section.
Back in January, we introduced you to a feel-good cause to inspire your New Year's resolution: a walking challenge to help raise funds for the amazing cancer fighters at The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. I took part in the challenge with the Brit + Co team and ended up walking 105+ miles in January — it was awesome.
This spring, there's a new challenge on the horizon, The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society's Big Climb. The ask: On May 15, 2021, you can step up to take cancer down by committing to climb 1,311 steps, walking 3.2 miles, or doing 440 chair step-ups at home as part of the Big Climb. If you need some motivation to bring movement back into your daily routine — look no further!
As always, it's free to sign up, but climbers are encouraged to set a fundraising goal to help beat cancer. We'll be organizing another Brit + Co team to step up, and I hope you'll join us too! Keep scrolling for a peek at where I'll be completing the challenge in my Los Angeles neighborhood around the hidden Silver Lake Stairs. Happy climbing!
Never underestimate the power of an accountability buddy! I asked my in-laws, my partner, and a few friends to join me so we can keep each other motivated and accountable in completing the challenge — virtual high-fives all around! Also, my dog Fox is a great climber, too.
An aesthetically pleasing backdrop is a huge motivator for me! I'm fortunate to have all sorts of painted steps around my neighborhood to keep the challenge interesting, but you can also keep cool inside with at-home chair step-ups.
Don't forget to share your progress on social — #BigClimb!
Feel free to break the challenge up if you need to by tackling half the distance in the AM and half at sunset. Here's me 1,311 steps later and ready for a break — but, think I earned this one!
More on Brit + Co
17 Size-Inclusive Athleisure Brands To Shop This Spring
The Best At-Home Workouts If You're New To The Whole Moving Thing
5 Foods You Should Never Eat Before A Workout