About Ricardo Garcia: Your VR Fitness Guide

Hey there! I’m Ricardo Garcia, but you can call me Ricky. I’m the creator of #VRFitnessJourney, and I’m here to help you through the exciting world of VR fitness. As a lifelong gamer and a dad of two, I’ve found a way to make fitness fun and helpful with virtual reality. For example, if you’re a gamer or a busy parent looking for a new way to stay active, my mission is to help you with VR fitness tips and tools. Let’s dive into my story and see how I can help you start your own #VRFitnessJourney!

The Gamer Life: Where VR Fitness Began

Gaming has always been a big part of my life. I started with the NES, playing Super Mario Bros. for hours, and now I enjoy games like League of Legends, Overwatch 2, and Marvel Rivals. I’m a proud dad to two sons, aged 20 and 18, and we’ve shared many gaming moments together. For example, we used to play Dungeon Defenders when they were younger, and now they beat me at their own games! I also love watching anime—Naruto is my all-time favorite—and movies like The Dark Knight, The Matrix, and John Wick. So, gaming and epic stories are in my blood, and that’s where my journey with VR fitness began.

The Turning Point: Finding VR Fitness

For a long time, I avoided exercise because it felt boring. As a busy dad in my 30s and early 40s, I needed more energy to keep up with life in Orlando—whether it was visiting SeaWorld with my family or friends or just handling daily tasks. I tried the gym, but it was a snooze-fest. However, I discovered virtual reality fitness with the PlayStation VR2 (PSVR2). My first game, Synth Riders, was fun, but Les Mills Bodycombat changed everything. Suddenly, I was dodging and punching in a virtual world, and it didn’t feel like a workout—it felt like a game! Now, I also play Creed: Rise to Glory and Box to the Beat, but Les Mills is my favorite for a real sweat session. In fact, you can learn more about the benefits of virtual reality workouts in this U.S. News & World Report article. This is how VR fitness became my passion.

The Routine: How I Stay Fit

Here’s a peek into my VR fitness routine. I use my PSVR2 on a tile floor wearing socks—no mat needed! I wear a headband to keep sweat away, keep a fan on max speed, and have Spring water nearby. For a typical workout, I start with Synth Riders for a 10-20 minute warm-up and cool-down. Then, I jump into Les Mills Bodycombat for 7-15 minutes as my main workout. Sometimes, I add Creed or Box to the Beat for another 10-20 minutes. After a session, I might grab a protein bar to refuel. For example, I recommend trying it with a headset like the PSVR2. This routine keeps me active and excited, and I share all my tips in my books and blog!

The Mission: Building the #VRFitnessJourney Brand

My VR fitness journey isn’t just about me—it’s about helping others like you. I realized it could be a game-changer for gamers who hate treadmills, busy parents with no gym time, or anyone who finds traditional workouts boring. That’s why I started the #VRFitnessJourney.

I wrote Get Fit with Virtual Reality: The Ultimate Beginner’s Guide to VR Fitness, the first book in my VR Fitness Revolution series, to guide you through the basics. I’m also working on Leveling Up Your VR Fitness Experience and a future book about how VR and AR will change fitness. Through my website, books, and community on Reddit, Facebook, and X, I’m here to be your advocate and champion your fitness wins!

Beyond the Headset: Life in Orlando

When I’m not in VR or writing, I’m a regular dad. I was born in Chicago, lived in Miami Beach for 10 years, and moved to Orlando at 14. Now, I live in Orlando. I love hitting the beach, enjoying Orlando’s theme parks like Universal and SeaWorld (especially the water parks!), and grabbing a Chipotle bowl—my fast food favorite. On weekends, you might find me hanging out with friends, sharing a few beers (maybe a lot, haha), and talking about life, games, or fitness. I’m a playful jokester who loves fun and doesn’t take life too seriously. That’s the vibe I bring to VR fitness—let’s make fitness exciting together with VR!

Join the #VRFitnessJourney Today

Thanks for learning more about me! I hope my story inspires you to try VR fitness. Whether you’re new to virtual reality or a seasoned gamer, I’m here to help you get fit and have fun with VR fitness. Check out my books for more guidance, explore my blog for tips, or reach out on the Contact page with any questions. Let’s start your journey together—grab your headset and let’s get moving!