On your bike – for a ride in your imagination

 Virtual reality technology is about to breathe new life into the humble exercise bike at Casey ARC.
In what is touted as an Australian first, the Narre Warren rec centre is launching three sets of VirZoom gaming technology for riders of its stationary bikes from 30 January.
The riders wear VR headsets aboard the bike, which reacts as they ‘ride’ virtual courses such as Tank, Pegasus, Chopper, Cowboy, Race Car and Kayak.
Observers can watch the journeys projected on three giant TV screens in the Casey ARC’s ‘spin room’.
Casey ARC YMCA Manger Susie Nogic said the “industry-leading” VirZoom had been successfully used in almost 50 YMCAS in the US last year.
“Gaming adds a new dimension to exercise and VirZoom is a new product that aims to provide something different to the standard weights and cardio workout,” Ms Nogic said.
“Virtual reality adds a real sense of fun to the exercise session and we think it will create interest in people who may not be traditional gym users.”
The workouts – suitable for all riders – were “continuously evolving”, Ms Nogic said.