Virtual reality exercise boosts wellbeing at Belong Warrington

Virtual reality exercise equipment, including a machine that simulates cycling and walking in locations around the world, has been introduced into the exercise studio at Belong Warrington, where it has been boosting customers’ wellbeing by making exercise more fun and engaging.

The SilverFit equipment is specially designed for use by older people and encourages exercise by integrating activities with virtual reality computer games. It has been proven to have both cognitive and physical benefits exceeding those of ordinary exercise machines as it increases participant motivation.

Following a successful trial at Belong Macclesfield, two specialist pieces of equipment have been purchased for the on-site exercise studio at Belong Warrington.

Sian Ryland, specialist fitness instructor at Belong Warrington: “The new equipment is proving extremely popular with our residents and experience day customers and, because they are engaged in the games or landscapes, they are exercising for longer. We are noting increases in well-being, confidence and physical strength.”

The ‘SilverFit Mile’ projects a scene onto a large television screen connected to a cycling or stepping machine. The scene moves at the pace at which the user is cycling or walking, simulating outdoor exercise. The equipment is programmed to feature locations around the world, so users could be cycling through the streets of Paris or trekking through Patagonia, which also makes it a valuable reminiscence tool.

Sian explains: “One of our residents used to holiday in Paris. The Paris simulation on the SilverFit Mile allowed her to relive memories of times there and has given her much more motivation to participate in cardiovascular exercise.”

With the SilverFit 3D system, a camera registers a participant’s 3D movements and allows them to interact with games on a television screen in front of them. In one game, the player controls a small cartoon character on the screen by marching on the spot. They have to negotiate obstacles in the game by stepping to the side and stopping when required, such as at traffic lights. The games motivate people to exercise by challenging them to push their boundaries and achieve higher scores.