Frequently Asked Questions

What is Virtual Active?
Virtual Active is a first-person, forward-motion video experience designed to enhance your cardio workout.  The programs are designed to be played in front of your treadmill, bike, elliptical, or stepper to give you the feeling you are running, hiking, or cycling through iconic destinations, such as the Grand Canyon and the streets of Venice.  

What’s the difference between Guided and Basic workouts?
Virtual Active Guided workouts include helpful instructions from a professional trainer, while the Basic workouts allow you to set your own pace and enjoy the scenery.  Watch this video to learn more about how Virtual Active workouts are structured.

What formats are Virtual Active available in?
Virtual Active workouts are currently available on DVD and as digital downloads that can play on a variety of platforms.

What format are the digital downloads?
Virtual Active digital downloads are 640 x 360 mpeg4 video files with h.264 encoding.  They are compatible with most personal computers, iOS devices (iPod, iPhone, iPad) and some set-top media players, such as Apple TV or the Sony PS3.

What's the difference between digital downloads and the Virtual Active iPad/iPhone App?
The digital download files work on iPad/iPhone as regular video, played back at 30 frames per second, but only the Virtual Active: Bit Gym Edition App is speed interactive, meaning the video speed changes to match the speed you run, hike, or cycle.  The iPad App does not include a "Guided" option at this time.  It may be added at a later date, but for the moment this means no coaching in the iPad App.  

Which should I choose, the App or the digital downloads?
If you are using Virtual Active on an iPad and are interested in speed interactivity, we recommend the app.  If you are on any other platform, or highly value the workout coaching included in the guided videos, we recommend the digital downloads.

Are the digital downloads compatible with iPad/iPhone App?
No.  Content compatible with the App can only be purchased from within the App.  Digital downloads will play on the iPad's video player non-interactively.

Will the motion make me sick?
Not likely.  Virtual Active is produced using state-of-the-art equipment and techniques, including custom hardware and software designed explicitly to create the smoothest forward-motion video in the world.  Those who are highly susceptible to motion sickness while watching other video content or playing video games may experience similar effects with Virtual Active.  However, we have spent years on research and development and settled on an approach that will be comfortable for the vast majority of users.

Can I return my DVD purchase?
All purchases of media products are final. Defective product will be exchanged if returned to the following address within 30 days:

Virtual Active Fulfillment
350 Sonic Ave.
Livermore, CA 94551
415.369.0975

For questions or concerns regarding your purchase, please email support@vafitness.com.

Do you have Blu-Rays?
Not yet, though we hope to introduce them at some point in the future.

Can I play my own music with Virtual Active?
The Options menu of each DVD includes the ability to turn music off, leaving only ambient sound, so that you can play your own music on another device, or simply enjoy the natural soundscapes.  The Options menu also features the ability to turn on subtitles, so you can receive instruction even with the DVD sound turned off.

What is the difference between the Run series and the Hike series?
The Run series is optimized for exercisers running on a treadmill or elliptical, while the Hike series is optimized for exercisers walking on a treadmill, elliptical, or stepper.  The differences are found in the perceived speed of movement through the environments and in the instructions given in the guided workouts.  Runs are photographed at eight to twelve miles an hour, and include instructions that suggest rates of perceived exertion between five and nine.  Hikes are photographed at three to six miles per hour, and include instructions that suggest rates of perceived exertion between four and eight.

Is there any reason to purchase both Run and Hike programs?
The content of companion Run and Hike programs, such as American Southwest Run and American Southwest Hike, is completely different.  Although many Hike and Run segments share destinations, such as Bryce Canyon National Park in Utah, they generally take different routes or explore different sections of the location.  In other words, you will see different parts of Bryce Canyon on the Hike than you will on the Run.  Though they are intended for walking, many find it enjoyable to run while viewing our Hike series, which often visits destinations that are exciting, but too steep, treacherous, or crowded to produce Run segments.

Are the virtual trails produced with real photography or computer generated?
Everything you see is real.  The virtual trails are captured on location using state-of-the-art HD digital cinema techniques pioneered by Virtual Active.  The footage is not sped up or slowed down.  While computer generated imagery is improving, nothing beats the fidelity of real cinematography, the beauty of real natural landscapes, or the serendipity of a real American buffalo crossing your path.

What is RPE?
RPE stands for “rate of perceived exertion.”  It is a one to ten measurement of how hard you are exercising, with one being an easily sustainable effort and ten being the edge of your physical limitation.  The Guided workouts in the Virtual Active Run and Hike series use RPE as a way to monitor your effort.  Watch this video for more about RPE.