Epistemic Status: Based almost entirely on my own experience. Also based on some friends here, here, and in real life.
TL;DR: I now need willpower in order to not-workout (!). I wish someone would have told me this a long time ago when I was looking for some workout that would resonate with me.
Is it actually a workout?
TL;DR: Yes.
1. I get tired and I sweat, especially in a specific intensive game (Thrill of the Fight, aka TotF)
2. I saw someone play that game for under 3 minutes and collapse on the sofa in exhaustion for about half a day
3. Here's a graph from my activity tracker (Oura Ring gen 2, not optimal for tracking workouts!, but still adds some info and also everyone likes graphs, right?) :
To give context to this graph (of me playing TotF several times during the day): When I do a rollerblade trip with a group that's better than me, the hardest part is usually under the "high" line. TotF is often above it.
Can you build muscle with VR?
TL;DR: Unclear.
People who know stuff (I don't qualify) say one needs resistance to build muscles, so maybe using wrist-weights or elastic bands that connect one's limbs to one's torso. I didn't try any of those myself. Other people said "consult with a specialist, some movements that you'd do with resistance can cause harm".
It does seem to be amazing for aerobic exercises, and specifically for interval training.
Which games are good for workouts:
1. Classic: Beat Saber, almost everyone likes it.
1. I rate it as a "medium" workout (and if it seems too easy, wait for the harder levels).
2. I recommend starting from the Tutorial.
2. I tried Pistol Whip which is somewhat similar but with guns.
1. Also rated as a "medium" workout.
3. Thrill of the Fight (TotF) is by far the most intensive workout I found on VR.
1. This will not be a good fit for everyone, it's scary (at least for me).
2. I have lots of beginner tips for it (including safety tips and things that I bet the game woul