HTC Vive and Samsung Gear VR can turn your next workout into a tropical VR adventure

Jump on a rowing machine and exercise your way down a blue-watered river

We've seen VR used to do everything from watching films on a cinema-sized screen to helping surgeons performing medical procedures, but what about making an impact on one of the biggest industries in the world - health and fitness? One French VR company think it has the answer - the Holodia.

Shown off at Computex 2016, the idea is to make those boring trips to the gym (or a session at home on your personal rowing machine or elliptical trainer) a bit more interesting by transporting you to another world or setting. The startup has used a number of different over the years, including Samsung's Gear VR.

The setup showcased at Computex used a HTC Vive and a Concept 2 rowing machine (the kind you'd most likely find in a gym), which is hooked up to a specially-designed PC called a Holofit computer. The data from the rower is connected to the PC and is shared with the program sent direct to your VR headset - so, for instance, you could be rowing your way down an Amazonian river while tracking your performance on a handy screen like you would in real life.

If the idea of having a proper VR fitness setup in your home appeals, then you're in luck - you can pre-order a Holodia rower setup today, but it will cost you. The rower pack (which includes the Concept 2 rowing machine, a HTC Vive, the Holofit PC and all the necessary wires) will cost US$12,131 (£8,388) with an early bird discount. The regular price will be around the US$13,500 mark (£9.336).

Via: Holodia

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Dom Reseigh-Lincoln has been writing for T3 for over half a decade now, covering everything from mobile phones and laptops right through to video games and gaming peripherals. Purveyor of an excellent beard, as well as some perpetually cheeky offspring, Dom likes to wind down in his spare time by listening to heavy metal.