[dmontero]

What is so bad about just going out and doing sports with people and having real contact?

I guess that everyone is different. In my case I really enjoy participating in HIT workouts with people; the group competition drives me to push myself.

That's one of the reasons for having better results in a marathon than during training: group competitiveness

The second benefit is also obvious to me: socializing. Just the fact of doing sports together gives you a sense of bonding, of going through similar pain and succeeding.

One can argue you can achieve the same with VR meanwhile for me is just a poor replacement.

[zmmmmm]

> What is so bad about just going out and doing sports with people

Inflexible, time intensive, lacks variety, intimidating to those with lower fitness, dealing with annoying people, competition limited to whoever you work out with rather than matching your level, affected by weather, injuries, expense ....

[j245]

Agree with all the benefits you listed about in-person sport. Main issue is the time commitment with team sports.

VR is in and out in 30-40 mins and the sports venue is your living room or garage (no travelling required)

IME - VR can be more fun than the gym.

VR can be social and competitive. Many online e-sports are.

Horses for courses etc..

[toastal]

Did you forget about the ongoing pandemic?

[dmontero]

Outdoor group sports wasn't really forbidden in many countries, or just for a small period of time.

It wasn't my goal to alienate anybody. On the contrary I was trying to highlight the advantages of group sports.

[barry-cotter]

If you haven't been vaccinated or received a booster I strongly encourage you to do so.