October 11, 2022 – News
Liteboxer is taking a swing at VR fitness.
For context: Liteboxer debuted in July 2020 with a connected LED punching bag, riding pandemic-inflated demand to a $20M Series A in mid-2021.
But as hardware sales went haywire by year’s end, the cardio-boxing brand was already pivoting, adapting its boxing workout for Meta Quest 2 and launching Liteboxer Go, low-cost, punch-tracking wearables that only require an app
The latest: As VR fitness takes hold, Liteboxer launched Total Body, new programming that goes beyond throwing punches. Liteboxer CEO Jeff Morin says the new HIIT-style experience brings a real-life studio into the home:
“We have captured what is intrinsically motivating about having a coach in your face pushing you to get in a couple more reps and bring it to the headset, for a fraction of the cost of a gym membership and with the convenience of not having to leave your home.”
Virtual reality fitness is still nascent, and because the standard VR consoles only use handle-held joysticks for control, boxing’s compatibility has made it a primary form of exercise. But maybe not for long.
Looking ahead: The FTC is reportedly seeking to block Meta’s acquisition of Supernatural, worrying the tech giant would own a monopoly on VR fitness. But, Apple’s “Reality One” headset is looming, and Liteboxer’s Jeff Morin has already confirmed his platform will be available on both.
Punchline: For Liteboxer, VR workouts are shaping up to be a much bigger market, and a more enticing opportunity, than connected fitness.
Ryan Deer
October 11, 2022 – News
October 11, 2022 – News
October 11, 2022 – News
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