We tested the Meta Quest 3S and the virtual reality training was everything

Now you may practice in your world.

Recently, Meta presented its latest product Meta Quest 3S a headset that has the same mixed reality capabilities and powerful performance as Meta Quest 3, but at a lower cost ($299.00). According to Meta, the Quest 3S is the best headset for those latest to mixed reality and immersive experiences, or those that can have been waiting for an affordable upgrade from the Quest and Quest 2.

We had the opportunity to affix Meta and other journalists and tasters at a special afternoon Meta Quest wellness and fitness demo event on Tuesday, October 8, 2024, to explore the headset’s capabilities to a wider audience. During the session, I learned more about the latest Meta Quest fitness experiences from Supernatural and Alo Moves, participated in exciting demonstrations, and interviewed trainers using the app.

I didn’t know what to anticipate after I arrived at the fitness demo. I’m not used to practicing in front of trainers or app developers using virtual reality headsets. I actually have never used virtual reality goggles for anything, especially exercise. However, I was surprised by the headset’s capabilities and the calmness I felt throughout the exercise session.

But before I put the headset on for the first time, I had a number of questions for the Meta developers on site. I spoke with Brandon Bhagat, Virtual Reality Product Management Manager at Meta, about the various features and advantages of Meta Quest 3 for individuals who may feel claustrophobic. “The breathable interface has mesh on the outside to facilitate airflow. “I recommend wearing the headset when it’s comfortable for you and taking it off when it’s not necessary,” he said.

So what are the advantages of exercising with virtual reality goggles? You can completely immerse yourself in training. According to Oana Ilioaia, head of product marketing at Meta, when you’ve never tried a headset before, the Meta Quest 3s will keep you comfortable and secure. “If you haven’t used a headset before, you can experience something completely immersive. You have the opportunity to have your trainer right in front of you. You can also see your body as you move, which helps you track your movement and progress,” she said.

So for my first workout with the Meta Quest 3S, I made a decision to take a leisurely experience and check out a light-weight, yoga-based flow with Alo Moves XR, which introduces a brand new world of well-being against a backdrop of relaxing settings. Alo Moves is a virtual sanctuary that seamlessly connects your space with immersive and inspiring environments. Throughout the experience, I was in a position to move, breathe, and chill out under the guidance of my instructor while learning the basics of meditation and yoga, and to my surprise, I felt present and mindful.

I was pleasantly surprised by how real and credible my instructor was. The mini avatar of her next to me helped me understand the positions higher because I could zoom in with my fingers to see the movements clearly.

Once I put the headset on, any interference was immediately eliminated. I was in a position to block out the noise and calm my thoughts with audio-guided ambisonic meditations and sound baths set in elevated landscapes (like a Caribbean escape). Although I didn’t want to vary the background, you might have the opportunity to regulate to your mood and stay in the environment long after the class ends.

If you are on the lookout for a fresh approach to exercising at home without distractions, try Meta Quest 3S.