When it comes to getting fit with virtual reality, two games consistently show up in the conversation: Beat Saber and Les Mills Body Combat. But which one delivers the better workout?
I spent time with both games—testing them out for multiple days each—and while they’re built on very different mechanics, they’re both legit ways to work up a sweat, burn calories, and actually enjoy exercising again.
If you’re trying to decide which game to try (or whether to add one to your rotation), this post will break down what each experience offers—and where they shine or fall short—so you can find the right fit for your goals and play style.
🎮 The Basics
Beat Saber is a rhythm-based slicing game where you use lightsabers to slash incoming blocks in sync with music. It’s fast, fun, and highly addictive—think Dance Dance Revolution meets Jedi training.
Les Mills Body Combat, on the other hand, is a structured, martial arts-inspired workout. You follow choreographed sequences of punches, kicks, and evasive moves designed to replicate a full-body cardio workout.
🧠 Workout Style Breakdown
💃 Beat Saber: Rhythm & Reflexes
• Workout Intensity: Moderate to high, depending on difficulty level and song selection
• Primary Muscles Used: Shoulders, arms, upper back, some legs with squats and dodges
• Workout Feel: Fun, game-like, and easy to lose track of time
• Ideal For: People who want cardio that feels like play, love music, and enjoy rhythm challenges
Positives:
✔ Extremely fun and replayable
✔ Great for upper-body cardio
✔ Tons of songs and modding options
✔ Easy to start, hard to master
Negatives:
✖ Limited lower body engagement unless you push yourself
✖ Calorie burn can plateau unless you’re on higher difficulties
✖ No built-in workout structure—it’s up to you to make it a “fitness session”
🥊 Les Mills Body Combat
• Workout Intensity: High, especially in 20–30 minute sessions
• Primary Muscles Used: Full body—arms, legs, glutes, core
• Workout Feel: Structured, coach-led, like a real group fitness class
• Ideal For: People who want intensity, structure, and a full-body workout that pushes them
Positives:
✔ Real full-body motion—arms, legs, core
✔ More consistent calorie burn over longer workouts
✔ Virtual group classes add motivation
✔ Feels like a legit HIIT session in your headset
Negatives:
✖ Can feel repetitive after a few sessions
✖ Fewer breaks—may be too intense for beginners
✖ Not as “game-like” or playful
🆚 So, Which One’s Better? That depends on you.
| Category | Winner | Why |
| Workout Intensity | Les Mills Body Combat | More full-body engagement and longer routines |
| Fun Factor | Beat Saber | Pure rhythm-game joy and replayability |
| Calorie Burn | Les Mills Body Combat | Higher sustained effort = more calories burned |
| Beginner Friendly | Beat Saber | Easy to jump in and have fun instantly |
| Structure & Coaching | Les Mills Body Combat | Built like a real fitness class |
| Customization | Beat Saber | Endless songs, and ways to customize challenges |
| Recovery Time Needed | Beat Saber | Less intense, easier on the body for daily play |
🙌 Final Thoughts: Why Not Both?
Honestly, you don’t have to choose one over the other. I’ve added both games to my weekly rotation because they scratch different itches:
• Beat Saber is my go-to for fun cardio bursts, especially on days I want to move but not grind.
• Les Mills Body Combat is what I reach for when I want a serious workout and don’t mind getting drenched in sweat.
If you’re new to VR fitness, start with Beat Saber to build the habit. If you’re ready to level up—or want something more structured and intense—Body Combat is a killer choice.
The best VR workout? The one you actually look forward to. And if that means alternating between slashing beats and throwing virtual punches? Even better.
Tried either game—or both? Email us and let us know which one you love more at hello.vrfit [at] gmail.com. And if you’re ready to build your own VR fitness rotation, check out my starter guide here.
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