Getting a new VR headset is like being a kid on Christmas morning. You’re buzzing with excitement. For me, that new toy was the Meta Quest 2, and my goal was simple: make vr fitness fun as I get older. As a lifelong boxing fan, I was instantly drawn to apps like Supernatural VR. It looked like an absolute blast—and it is!
But my journey wasn’t all smooth sailing. I made a few early missteps that cost me time, money, and even led to a minor injury. If I had a time machine, I’d obviously go back and buy Bitcoin. But since that’s not an option, here are the three things I wish I’d known from the very beginning.
Mistake #1: Skimping on the Grips (And Batteries!)
The Lesson: Don’t wait until your controllers go flying to invest in good grips.
When I started, I thought the standard controllers would be fine. I was wrong. After a few intense boxing sessions, my hands were sweaty, the controllers were slippery, and my in-game speed scores were suffering. It was frustrating!
I first bought the Supernatural brand grips, which were okay, but they didn’t hold up as well as I’d hoped. The real game-changer was discovering KIWI Design grips. The difference was night and day. They offer a secure, comfortable hold that makes you feel in control, and they have a clever design that makes accessing the battery compartment a breeze.
And that brings me to a related pro-tip: get rechargeable batteries. You will burn through AA batteries faster than you can throw a combo. I’ve been using Duracell rechargeables with a simple charger for over a year, and it’s saved me a small fortune.
What I Use & Recommend:
- VR Controller Grips: KIWI Design grips for Quest 2 – These are the ones I personally own and trust.
- Rechargeable Batteries: rechargeable batteries
Mistake #2: Skipping the Warm-Up
The Lesson: VR fitness is real fitness. Treat it like a workout, not a game.
This one came from a painful experience. For the first six months, I’d often jump straight into a high-intensity boxing session. “I’ll just warm up as I go,” I thought. Big mistake.
One day, I threw a punch a little too hard, a little too cold, and I strained an oblique muscle. Let me tell you, it hurt—a lot. Even simple movements were painful, and punching was out of the question for a good two weeks.
Now, I never skip my warm-up. My routine is simple: 3-5 minutes of arm circles, torso twists, and some light dynamic stretching. It’s made all the difference in preventing injury and improving my performance. I’ll be detailing my exact pre-VR routine in a future post!
Mistake #3: Buying a Cheap, Unstable Controller Attachment
The Lesson: If an accessory seems flimsy, it probably is. Your expensive tech is not worth the risk.
Okay, time for a mini-rant. Early on, I bought a third-party controller attachment designed to turn my VR controller into a golf club. It was a screw-on design with minimal padding. It looked good in the product photos, but in reality, it was a disaster waiting to happen.
During a powerful swing, the attachment failed. My Meta Quest 2, controller came loose, flew across the room, and nearly took out my work computer monitor. It was a heart-stopping moment that could have cost me hundreds of dollars.
I threw that thing in the trash immediately. I’m now on the hunt for a new golf attachment for the winter, but this time, I’m looking for one where the controller is securely integrated into the club itself, not just strapped on. If I ever find that unicorn, I’ll be sure to update you all!
My Day 1 Shopping List
Looking back, if I could start over, here’s what I’d buy on day one to save money and frustration:
- Quality VR Grips – $20-30 – KIWI Design grips. This is non-negotiable for any sweaty fitness game. They prevent your controllers from becoming dangerous projectiles and give you the confidence to swing hard without holding back.
- Rechargeable Batteries & Charger – $25 – Duracell rechargeable batteries. A small upfront cost for long-term savings. You’ll be swapping batteries weekly without them.
- A Dedicated Warm-Up Routine – FREE – It’s free, and it’s the best insurance against injury. Never skip it. (I’ll share my exact routine in an upcoming post!)
- VR Face Cover/Sweat Mask – $15-30 – VR Face Cover. A game-changer for hygiene and comfort. Protects your headset’s foam and is much more comfortable than a soggy default interface. I use a similar model to this one and swap between washes.
- Floor Fan – $20-40 – Small Floor Fan. Pointed at your body, this keeps you cool and helps with immersion during intense sessions.
- Neck Fan – $20-30 – Neck Fan. It looks silly, but it works! I’m currently testing one and it’s a game-changer for keeping sweat under control during boxing sessions.
- BONUS: BoboVR M2 Pro Headstrap with Fan (Community Favorite) – BoboVR – Full transparency: I haven’t personally tested this yet, but based on hundreds of positive reviews from the VR fitness community, it’s one of the most recommended upgrades for comfort and anti-fogging. If any of you have tried it, let me know in the comments if it’s worth the investment!
Total Day 1 Investment: – $100-180 – (Still cheaper than a gym membership, and you’ll use it way more often!)
The Bottom Line
I started this blog to share my experiences and help others avoid the same pitfalls. VR fitness has been an incredible way for me to stay active and have fun, and I hope these lessons smooth out your own journey.
Now I want to hear from you! Did you get a Meta Quest 2 or the new QUEST3? What’s the one thing you would change about your Day 1 setup? Let me know in the comments below!
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