The tragedy of Supernatural

Source: The Verge

Overview

When you picture a virtual reality headset user, you’re probably not picturing someone like Sherry Dickson. At 69, the snowy‑haired, retired elementary school teacher hops into her Meta Quest headset five days a week, for roughly 60 to 90 minutes at a time. She’s not attending live concerts or watching movies; she’s sweating it out in a virtual fitness class called Supernatural.

Supernatural is a subscription‑based VR workout app that blends cardio, strength, and mindfulness exercises with immersive, photorealistic environments—from the cliffs of Iceland to the streets of Tokyo. Users follow a virtual trainer who guides them through routines set to music, while the headset tracks their movements and provides real‑time feedback.

Why Supernatural Stands Out

• Full‑body tracking: The Quest’s built‑in sensors capture arm swings, squats, and lunges, allowing the app to adjust difficulty on the fly.
• Varied workouts: Sessions range from high‑intensity interval training (HIIT) to yoga, catering to different fitness levels and preferences.
• Social features: Users can join “rooms” with friends or strangers, see leaderboards, and share achievements, fostering a sense of community.

Community Impact

Dickson says the routine has become a social lifeline. “I look forward to the class because I get to see familiar faces,” she explains. The app’s community forums are filled with users swapping tips, celebrating milestones, and even organizing virtual meet‑ups after workouts.

Accessibility

Supernatural offers a range of difficulty settings, making it approachable for beginners and seniors alike. The app also includes low‑impact options for those with joint concerns, and the headset’s adjustable straps accommodate various head sizes.

The Bigger Picture

Meta’s push into VR fitness reflects a broader trend of blending entertainment with health. As more people seek at‑home workout solutions, immersive experiences like Supernatural could become mainstream, especially as headset prices continue to drop and hardware becomes more comfortable for extended use.

For more on VR fitness and the growing community around Meta Quest, stay tuned to our tech coverage.