Liteboxer has launched a VR version of its at-home boxing workout setup called Liteboxer VR. The programme provides gaming-style boxing sessions through Meta’s Meta Quest 2 system.
Up until now, consumers could only engage with Liteboxer sessions by purchasing a floor stand or wall mount. These carried a price tag upwards of US$1,000, plus a monthly membership. Liteboxer’s new VR system is available in the UK, Mexico, the USA and Canada, and costs around US$300 for the headset and two hand-tracking controllers, plus a monthly subscription of US$18.99.
Liteboxer launched in 2020 with the goal of becoming the “Peloton for boxing”. It was founded by Todd Dagres and entrepreneur Jeff Morin, with backing from former NFL player Isaiah Kacyvenski's fund Will Ventures and Raptor Capital.
In 2021, these companies invested again, along with Nimble Ventures, raising a total of US$20 million and giving Liteboxer the funds it needed to target the growing virtual fitness market.
This sector was valued at US$6,046m in 2019 and is expected to hit US$59,231 million by 2027 (growing at a CAGR of 33 per cent in just over seven years).
Jeff Morin, CEO and co-founder of Liteboxer said: "The metaverse is primed for outstanding fitness experiences that combine the real-life health benefits of fitness with amazing immersive visuals.
"The days of tirelessly cycling on a spin bike or running on a treadmill are over. As the future of fitness becomes increasingly hybrid, there's a real demand for physical and virtual options.
People are looking for innovative workouts, good music and engaging fitness experiences that make working out suck less. Championing unique workout experiences, we believe Liteboxer is at the forefront of this fitness evolution."
Liteboxer VR has 500 workouts, including around 400 trainer-led classes and 100 'Punch Tracks' – on-demand songs from Universal Music’s catalogue which have pre-programmed patterns that enable users to punch to the beat.
Liteboxer joins Meta’s growing collection of virtual reality fitness games, such as Les Mills’ Bodycombat and Supernatural.
“We're thrilled to bring Liteboxer VR to market, blazing a trail for the VR fitness revolution and expanding access to first-class fitness that looks to the next wave of fit-tech innovation,” added Morin.
“Virtual reality workouts connect people in a way that's more meaningful than a 2D screen on a tablet, phone or computer. With just a VR headset and your will to win, anyone can now work out anywhere in the world with the best trainers, tracks and fitness technology."
Meta dropped the Occulus brand in November 2021, with the Occulus Quest being rebranded to the Meta Quest.
