The Enduring Appeal of VR Fitness: Supernatural's Journey Through Metaverse and Layoffs

The world of virtual reality (VR) fitness has witnessed significant growth over the years, offering users immersive workout experiences that can be tailored to their individual needs. Among the pioneers in this space is Supernatural, an app creator that has managed to maintain a loyal user base despite facing challenges from its parent company's metaverse ambitions and recent layoffs.

A Community-Driven Approach

For users like Tencia Benavidez, who resides in New Mexico, the ability to engage in VR workouts through Supernatural has been nothing short of ideal. The app allows her to exercise from the comfort of her home or while traveling during harsh winters when outdoor activities are not feasible.

Beyond its convenience and accessibility features, what sets Supernatural apart is its focus on community building. Users appreciate the authentic nature of their coaches, who provide guidance without talking down to them. This approach has fostered a sense of belonging among users, making it easier for them to stick with the app despite external pressures.

Merging into Meta's Metaverse

In 2022, Supernatural found itself at the center of controversy when its parent company, Meta, decided to fold it into their metaverse efforts. This move triggered a lengthy legal battle between Meta and the US Federal Trade Commission (FTC), which sought to block the acquisition due to antitrust concerns.

The FTC's main concern was that by purchasing Supernatural, Meta would gain an unfair advantage in the VR market, stifling competition. However, despite these challenges, Meta ultimately prevailed, integrating Supernatural into its metaverse platform.

Recent Layoffs and User Reaction

In 2026, Supernatural faced another significant setback when it was affected by Meta's broader layoffs within their company. This news left many users in a state of mourning, as they feared for the future of their beloved app.

The article from Ars Technica highlighted the concerns and uncertainty among Supernatural users following these layoff announcements. While some expressed hope that the integration into Meta would ultimately benefit the service, others were more cautious, fearing that it might lead to a decline in quality or even its eventual demise.