Kinneta Transforms Cardio Workouts with XR Fitness Apps

Kinneta, a New York-based extended reality (XR) company, is redefining cardio workouts by combining virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) with fitness equipment. At the recent Augmented World Expo (AWE) in Long Beach, California, Kinneta showcased its innovative treadmill and bike apps designed to transform repetitive cardio sessions into immersive, engaging experiences.

These XR fitness apps connect users with top fitness trainers as photorealistic holograms, enabling personalized one-on-one workouts in stunning virtual locations worldwide. Whether at home or in the gym, users can experience private classes led by professional trainers, enhancing motivation and workout effectiveness.

Kinneta’s partnership with major fitness equipment brands Woodway and WattBike allows seamless integration of their apps with physical treadmills and bikes. This connected mode means the user's pedaling or running cadence directly influences the gamified workout score, adding a competitive and rhythmic element to exercise.

One standout feature is the gamified bike workout where users punch and dodge targets to the beat of music while pedaling. The closer the user matches the beat, the higher their score, blending physical exertion with interactive gameplay. This approach not only boosts engagement but also encourages consistency and intensity.

At AWE, Kinneta debuted new gamified workouts for Xreal AR glasses, featuring full-body mobility rhythm challenges that reward users for aligning their cadence with the music beat. These experiences are available in both VR and AR formats, including on Meta Quest and Xreal glasses, broadening accessibility.

Another innovative offering is the trainer-led scenic moving workouts, such as a photorealistic 3D run through Central Park. This VR experience automatically adjusts treadmill speed and incline to match the virtual terrain, providing a realistic and immersive training session that can be tailored for difficulty.

The technology behind these experiences leverages high-quality capture equipment to create lifelike visuals, while real-time data from fitness machines feed into the app for performance analysis. This integration offers users detailed insights into their workouts, enhancing motivation and tracking progress.

Kinneta’s leadership team combines deep expertise in VR, fitness, and business development. CEO Ilya Polokhin brings a background in VR motion simulators and long-distance running, while cofounder David Wen specializes in VR development and AI. Head of fitness Jenna Arndt contributes over a decade of health and wellness experience.

Since 2021, the team has focused on building locomotion solutions that allow users to run or cycle in virtual environments while physically using fitness machines. Their small but agile team has developed a subscription-based model priced at $9.99 monthly or $99.99 annually, making immersive fitness accessible.

Looking ahead, Kinneta aims to expand XR fitness offerings in gyms, with potential rollouts at chains like Equinox. The company also anticipates leveraging advancements in lighter, higher-resolution AR headsets, including upcoming Apple mixed reality devices, to broaden user experiences.

With over 50 virtual environments and themed workouts, Kinneta’s core innovation lies in seamlessly connecting physical fitness equipment with immersive XR content. Their recent $1.5 million funding, including investment from Woodway, underscores confidence in their vision to revolutionize cardio fitness through technology.