Combatting Sedentary Health Risks with VR/AR Technology

Virtual and augmented reality (VR/AR) are revolutionizing the way we tackle the health risks of sedentary lifestyles. Many VR games, like “Beat Saber” and “Thrill of the Fight,” turn exercise into an engaging and fun activity, making it easier to stay active. These technologies encourage movement and can significantly improve physical health.

I learned about the benefits of basic exercise while working as the tech lead for YUR.fit, especially after my father experienced cancer and heart issues. The positive impact of exercise was undeniable. However, despite using a stand-up desk and treadmill, I found these solutions limited in their results. This led me to explore different user experiences (UX) to integrate physical activity into my computing tasks.

I’ve been experimenting with various approaches to incorporate movement into computing. While I’ve had success with multiple computer control systems, like Immersed and VD, I’m always looking for new ideas. If you have any visions for movement-based UX, I’d love to hear them.

My journey to better health, including a 70-pound weight loss, highlighted the need for continuous integration of exercise into my daily routine. This inspired me to develop ARO, an augmented computing app aimed at promoting an active lifestyle. For those interested, check out [aro.work](https://aro.work) and sign up for the beta tests. Feel free to message me on Discord for quick onboarding.