Runtastic is working on a virtual reality version of the 7-minute workout

We’re all seriously busy in our day-to-day lives, so exercise time can fall by the wayside. That’s why the idea of a 7-minute workout is appealing: it’s quick, it gets you going, and there’s no time to get bored. Well, it’s about to get even more interesting by entering the world of virtual reality.

Runtastic is working on a version of its 7-minute workout for the Oculus Rift, so rather than being stuck in your living room you can be magically transported away to a 3D environment of your choosing. Maybe you’ll be working out on a hill somewhere in the Lake District, or standing on the beach with the sand between your virtual toes.

As Slashgear points out, Oculus Rift could well open up a whole new world for exercise enthusiasts. Who wouldn’t like a treadmill that links to the headset? You could be running a virtual route, and any changes in speed or incline on the treadmill will affect what you see on screen. It’s all the benefits of actually going out for a run, without the many variables (like weather, or slow-moving pedestrians) that come with it.

There is a downside, though. Apparently strapping a bulky headset to someone’s face and then making them do some exercise will make them sweat a bit more than normal. But that should be expected, and it isn’t exactly a dealbreaker. Sweating is kind of the point, after all.

It’s still early days, but if you’d like to see a bit more about the 7-minute workout in virtual reality, check out the video below.