The Death March of Virtual Sweat: Meta’s AI Pivot Leaves Fitness VR in Limbo
A VR fitness community built on sweat, music, and human connection is unraveling as Meta cuts its ties to the metaverse—and users are left wondering why.
Meta has laid off staff from its VR division, including Supernatural (a VR fitness platform), shifting focus to AI and smart glasses. Supernatural remains operational but will no longer receive updates or new content, with its $100/year subscription fee unchanged.
Users express frustration over Meta's decision, citing loss of community and coaching elements as the app's unique value.
Johnson also noted the pricing contradiction:
"If it was a bottom line thing, I think they could have charged more money."
Supernatural's Together mode, launched in 2024, enabled multiplayer workouts but faces a 'death loop' as content stagnates.
Meta's 2022 acquisition of Supernatural faced antitrust scrutiny; users now question the purpose of the shutdown. Product availability: Subscription-based VR service ($100/year), available on Meta Quest headsets.
