Where to Go Next: Alternative VR Fitness Apps and Workouts After Supernatural
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Where to Go Next: Alternative VR Fitness Apps and Workouts After Supernatural

UUnknown
2026-02-09
11 min read
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Find the best Quest VR fitness options after Supernatural — compare Beat Saber, FitXR, Les Mills, tracking, subscriptions, and community features.

So Supernatural changed — now what? A quick reality check.

Hook: You loved lacing up your Quest for half-hour, sweat-soaked sessions with trainers who felt like friends. Then Supernatural shifted and left a hole in your workout schedule. You're not alone — the Quest fitness scene evolved fast in late 2025 and early 2026, and plenty of players are asking the same question: where to go next?

The TL;DR: Pick by goal, not hype

Here’s the short version so you can stop scrolling: if you want intense rhythm cardio, go Beat Saber or Synth Riders. If you want scheduled classes and boxing, try FitXR or Les Mills-style VR workouts. For raw boxing sims and fight cardio, Thrill of the Fight. If you miss the coach personality and community, look for apps with live classes, Discord crews, or strong trainer ecosystems. Read on for the full buyer’s guide — subscriptions, tracking, community features, and a practical 4-week plan to get you moving again.

Why this matters in 2026

2025 closed with a few big platform shifts: studios consolidated, Meta nudged the Quest toward mixed-reality experiences, and users demanded better biometric tracking and community features. In 2026 you’ll find apps that emphasize:

  • Biometric integration — heart-rate pairing and better calorie estimates.
  • Social ecosystems — live classes, crew tools, and Discord-native communities.
  • Hybrid workouts — sessions mixing VR rhythm, bodyweight, and short strength circuits.
  • Creator-first models — microdrops, creator-led classes, and paid trainer content.

What to compare: the buyer’s checklist for Quest fitness apps

  1. Workout style: rhythm, boxing, low-impact, strength, or mixed?
  2. Subscription model: monthly, yearly, or a one-time game purchase + DLC?
  3. Tracking and metrics: built-in heart-rate, calorie accuracy, session exporting.
  4. Community features: live classes, leaderboards, clubs, Discord/crew integration.
  5. Hardware needs: do you need an external HR monitor, extra sensors, or just the base Quest?
  6. Trial availability: is there a free trial so you can test the sweat?

App-by-app breakdown (what each does best)

Beat Saber — the rhythm king (and versatile cardio option)

Best for: High-intensity rhythm cardio, competitive crews, custom song libraries.

Beat Saber remains the go-to rhythm workout for many Quest users because it combines precision movement with scalable intensity. It's primarily a one-time purchase with paid DLC tracks and community-created levels — which means no recurring subscription for the core experience.

What to expect:

  • Fast-paced cardio sessions that spike your heart rate quickly.
  • Huge modding and custom-song ecosystem (on PC) and an active leaderboard scene on Quest.
  • Limited built-in class structure — more of a sandbox cardio tool than a coach-driven workout.

Tracking & community: Beat Saber exposes session scores and leaderboards; third-party apps can pull stats for more fitness-centric tracking. If you value community competition and want maximum control over session intensity, it’s a great pick.

FitXR — the closest thing to classes and structure

Best for: Scheduled classes, boxing-focused workouts, and a subscription-driven experience.

FitXR offers a class-style calendar, on-demand sessions, and a boxing/dance/stretch split. It’s subscription-based, and in 2026 FitXR has tightened up biometric options — many classes support Bluetooth HR straps and exportable session data.

What to expect:

  • Progress-tracking and weekly class schedules.
  • Instructor-led classes with a community vibe — good for users missing Supernatural's coaching feel.
  • Subscription pricing (look for promos/annual discounts).

Tracking & community: FitXR’s in-app metrics are useful for tracking trends. If you plan to take live classes, check whether community features (crews, leaderboards) match what you want. FitXR is a strong middle ground between gamey rhythm workouts and full fitness class ecosystems.

Les Mills (VR experiences) — structured workouts for group fitness fans

Best for: Structured, program-based workouts inspired by studio fitness.

Les Mills has been expanding into digital and VR experiences to mirror its popular studio formats. These sessions emphasize choreography, program consistency, and progression — ideal if you want a repeatable program (think BodyCombat-style sequences) rather than ad-hoc cardio sessions.

What to expect:

  • Program-based progression and class curriculums.
  • Higher production value and instructor polish.
  • Often subscription-based or part of a broader Les Mills digital membership.

Tracking & community: Expect class calendars and community-focused challenges. Biometric support varies by release; check the Quest store page for current HR compatibility.

Thrill of the Fight — raw boxing, pure sweat

Best for: People who want a brutal boxing sim and high-intensity intervals without fluff.

This one is for users who loved the boxing elements of Supernatural. Thrill of the Fight gives you a primitive but relentless boxing experience — excellent for conditioning and quick HIIT sessions.

What to expect:

  • Realistic physics and a focus on movement economy.
  • No subscription; usually a one-time purchase.
  • Minimal social features — best paired with external trackers and apps for deep analytics.

Synth Riders, Pistol Whip, and other rhythm alternatives

Best for: Dancey movement, variety, and lower-barrier rhythm sessions.

Synth Riders leans into dance-like motion and full-body swaying, while Pistol Whip blends shooting and cardio for high-intensity intervals. Both provide alternatives to Beat Saber with slightly different movement profiles and music curation.

Indie picks and niche apps

Don’t sleep on smaller studios — 2026 saw a wave of indies offering focused workouts: short HIIT bursts, mobility sequences, and creative hybrids that pair VR with IRL accessories. These often experiment with pricing (pay-per-class, microtransactions) and community-run classes.

Subscriptions vs. one-off purchases: the economics

Here’s the simple math and decision framework:

  • One-time purchase: Best if you want a low-maintenance, permanent game (Beat Saber, Thrill of the Fight). Upfront cost but lower long-term spend.
  • Subscription: Best if you want fresh content, scheduled classes, and trainer-led motivation (FitXR, Les Mills-style offerings). Budget for $8–15+ per month typical in 2026; look for annual discounts.
  • Hybrid: Some apps mix a one-time base game with optional subscription for extra classes or trainer content. Good middle-ground.

Tip: always use the free trial window to test the trainer vibe, class cadence, and tracking fidelity before committing.

Tracking: heart rate, calories, and accurate effort

In 2026, accurate fitness tracking in VR usually requires external biometric devices. Built-in Quest metrics have improved, but for dependable heart-rate data and calorie estimates you’ll want a Bluetooth chest strap (Polar H10 or Wahoo) or an armband that supports Bluetooth LE. Many top fitness apps now support direct HR pairing — but check the app’s store page; support varies.

Practical tracking checklist:

  • Pair a reliable chest strap (Polar, Wahoo) for accurate HR during high-movement sessions.
  • Use apps that support HR pairing and session export if you want to keep long-term trends.
  • For calorie accuracy, use HR zones rather than motion-only estimates; apps that combine both give better results.
  • Consider a companion phone app or web dashboard for deeper analytics.

Community features: what to look for if you miss Supernatural’s social pull

If community was the glue that kept you coming back, prioritize these features:

  • Live classes and schedules: Consistency and accountability come from live timeslots.
  • Crews/clubs: In-app crews or linked Discord hubs create smaller accountability groups.
  • Leaderboards and challenges: Weekly challenges, streaks and badges keep competitive users engaged.
  • Creator marketplaces: If you’re a coach or creator, look for apps with paid content upload tools.

Hardware and accessories: what to buy (and what’s optional)

You don’t need pro gear to get a great VR sweat, but a few accessories make sessions more reliable and comfortable:

  • Comfort strap for longer sessions.
  • Sweat covers and washable facial interfaces.
  • Bluetooth chest strap for HR tracking (Polar H10, Wahoo).
  • Thin exercise mat to mark safe zones and protect floors.
  • Good ventilation or a fan — VR sweat is real.

For creators running IRL pop-up sessions or hybrid classes, consider portable AV and compact streaming kits — they make live classes feel polished without a studio lease. Field reviews of portable streaming + POS kits are a good place to start if you plan to run ticketed small events.

Sample 4-week transition plan: replace Supernatural with a balanced regimen

If you’re used to 4–5 sessions a week with Supernatural, here’s a practical plan combining alternatives so you keep variety and progress.

  1. Week 1 — Find your baseline
    • 3 sessions: Beat Saber (20–30 min), FitXR class (30 min), Thrill of the Fight (20 min).
    • Pair a chest strap and record HR zones during each session.
  2. Week 2 — Build routine
    • 4 sessions: 2 rhythm (Beat Saber/Synth Riders), 1 boxing class, 1 low-impact mobility/rescue session.
    • Join the app’s Discord or in-app crew for accountability.
  3. Week 3 — Increase intensity
    • Swap a rhythm session for a Pistol Whip or higher-difficulty Beat Saber map.
    • Try a live class in FitXR or Les Mills-style session to get that coach push.
  4. Week 4 — Optimize & choose
    • Evaluate which app you enjoy most and which shows progress in HR recovery times and session consistency.
    • Commit to the app(s) that matched your goals — subscription or one-off purchase.

Case studies: two real (anonymized) user paths

Case A — The rhythm competitor: Alex swapped Supernatural for Beat Saber + Synth Riders. He uses community leaderboards and weekly challenges to stay motivated. Result: improved VO2 feel, consistent 5x/week routine, and zero subscription spend after an initial DLC outlay.

Case B — The class loyalist: Priya moved to FitXR and a Les Mills VR subscription. She values scheduled classes and trainer feedback, paired her Polar H10, and uses exported HR data to assess progress. Result: better adherence and measurable HR zone improvement in 8 weeks.

Safety, scams, and trust in 2026

As VR fitness grows, so do opportunistic creators and shady microtransactions. A few rules to stay safe:

  • Only buy subscriptions through the official Quest Store or reputable studio sites.
  • Be skeptical of third-party “patches” promising free premium content — these can break your headset or expose you to scams.
  • Check community reviews and Discord chatter for real-user feedback before buying a long-term plan.
"The missing piece was community — find apps that give you accountability or create it yourself with a small crew." — a common thread from 2025–26 VR fitness forums

Advanced strategies for power users and creators

If you’re a creator or trainer wanting to monetize or build a crew:

  • Look for apps that let creators upload paid sessions or sell microdrops.
  • Use Discord and in-game crew tools to run paid weekly classes.
  • Offer downloadable progress packs (session plans, HR zone targets) and teach users how to pair chest straps.
  • Use cross-platform profiles to build a reputation beyond one app — viewers and trainees move between Beat Saber competitions and FitXR classes.

Final recommendations: match the app to your WHY

  • If you want structure and a coach: FitXR or Les Mills-style VR classes (subscribe, use trials).
  • If you want intense rhythm cardio without subscriptions: Beat Saber (plus DLC or Synth Riders/Pistol Whip).
  • If you want raw fight conditioning: Thrill of the Fight.
  • If you want to experiment or support indies: Try niche apps with pay-per-class models.

Quick checklist before you hit "buy"

  • Do they offer a free trial? Use it.
  • Does the app support external HR straps if you care about accurate metrics?
  • Are there live classes or a community you can join?
  • Check refund policies for subscriptions and DLC.
  • Read recent (late 2025–2026) user reports for stability on your Quest model.

Where to go from here — a simple action plan

  1. Install one subscription-based app (FitXR or Les Mills demo) and one one-off purchase (Beat Saber or Thrill of the Fight).
  2. Buy or borrow a trusted chest strap and pair it with the app for one week of tracking.
  3. Join or create a 3-person accountability crew (Quest group or Discord) to keep streaks going.
  4. Reassess in 4 weeks and commit to the app(s) that match your goals and vibe.

Parting playbook — what I’d do if I were rebuilding my VR fitness life

Start with short wins: 20–30 minute sessions, three times a week. Use Beat Saber for joy, FitXR for classes, and Thrill of the Fight when you need to vent stress. Pair a chest strap to remove guesswork from your calories and heart-rate zones. Finally, build or join a small crew — accountability is the real Supernatural legacy.

Call to action

Ready to move? Pick two apps from the guide (one subscription, one one-off), grab a chest strap if you don’t have one, and commit to a 4-week trial. Join our Mongus VR Fitness Crew on Discord to share progress, swap playlists, and get curated deals on subscriptions and accessories — because the best workouts are the ones you actually stick with.

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2026-02-16T14:13:00.934Z