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Turner Leslie Got Hooked Immediately!

What happens when a gym-lover steps into a virtual reality fitness arena for the first time?  Meet Turner Leslie, a fitness enthusiast from Meridian, Idaho, who thought VR workouts couldn’t possibly match the real gym.

We brought him in to try Black Box VR for one session… and it changed everything.

In this video, you’ll see:

  • Turner’s honest thoughts before his first VR workout
  • His raw reaction immediately after
  • His 3-month transformation – physically AND mentally

Video:

Transcript:

BEFORE HIS FIRST WORKOUT

My name is Turner Leslie from Meridian, Idaho.

Growing up, I was huge into football. I played from the time I was about ten years old all the way through high school. I was a lineman and got up to about 260 pounds. Now I’m down to about 180 and doing my best to keep the weight off.

I go to the gym five to six days a week and love exploring new routines so I never get bored. My current split is push-pull-legs, and I run about three days a week to balance gym workouts with some time outdoors.

I also play video games—mostly Call of Duty and Madden. I’ve been into those for years.

The only thing I’m a little worried about with VR fitness is motion sickness. And I’m a little skeptical about whether I’ll get enough resistance training. I want to feel the pump—because, let’s be honest, that’s the best part of going to the gym!

Still, I’m excited to see the graphics, the movements, and the strategy behind it all. It’s something totally new, and I can’t wait to try it out. I’m especially looking forward to having my own space, not having to fight over gym equipment, and avoiding the crowds.

AFTER HIS FIRST WORKOUT

Wow! It doesn’t even feel like I just did VR. I got the same pump I get at the gym, I’m completely out of breath—and it was amazing. I’ve already been back multiple times.

The gameplay was awesome. It’s like having a coach built into the game. As I got into it, I kept learning more and more. I could figure out what was coming next, and competing against myself was really motivating.

I didn’t have to think about counting reps or planning what to do next. The system took all the mental effort out of it and brought in a lot more energy and fun.

No dizziness, no weird motion—it felt great and natural.

It’s totally different from the typical gym routine. Normally, you just go through the motions. But in here, your energy stays high because you’re constantly competing, pushing, and strategizing. It’s fun and super immersive—within the first 30 seconds, I was locked in.

The headset was surprisingly comfortable. Super padded, fully adjustable. And the coaching built into the game really helps, especially if you’re new or looking for guidance.

I’d recommend Black Box VR to anybody—whether you’re a total beginner or a seasoned gym-goer. It shakes up your routine, keeps it exciting, and still delivers a killer workout.

THREE MONTHS LATER

You thought I was just doing a one-time influencer workout? Nope—three months in, and I’m still going strong.

Today’s workout? 107,000 pounds of work—my personal record. And I’m loving it.

Since I joined, I’ve done about 50 workouts, and the results have been wild. I come in five to six days a week, and I’ve become part of a real community. It’s like a family now.

I’ve lost around 10 pounds, built muscle, and feel tighter and stronger overall. I’ve got way more energy—especially when I start my day at Black Box VR. My kids even notice. I come home from work, and I’ve still got the energy to play, run around, and really be present.

The workouts evolve with you. Every time I hop in, it picks up where I left off and keeps pushing me forward. The progressive overload is built into the game. It’s amazing.

And I’m always talking about it—my friends and family have definitely noticed a big change.

Scheduling is a breeze through the app. I even love checking the leaderboard to see how I stack up. It’s fun, and it keeps me accountable and motivated.

The gameplay adds so much strategy. You get new champions over time and have to figure out which ones work best in battle. It keeps your mind sharp and your body working.

You can also do co-op mode, which is a blast. You and your partner work together, strategize, and crush challenges for 30 minutes straight. It flies by!

Honestly, if you’re thinking about trying Black Box VR, just do it. Whether you’ve never worked out or you’ve been in gyms for years, you’re going to love it. The tech is comfortable. The experience is fun. And you’ll be surprised how fast those 30 minutes go by.

One of my biggest goals is to be the strongest dad out there. And now, starting my day with Black Box VR, I have the energy and strength to be that for my kids.

About Black Box VR

Black Box VR is the world’s first virtual reality esport that combines resistance training, HIIT cardio, and intense gaming to deliver a science-backed workout experience. In our luxurious gym locations, members are able to build muscle, lose fat, and get fit while playing an addictive game.

Have questions? Ask MAIA, our AI chatbot!