Skip to main content

Let’s talk about something I think we’ve all experienced: anticipatory dread.

Sounds serious, right? But trust me, you’ve felt it before. You know that feeling you get when you have on Sunday night, thinking about the start of another long work week?  Or maybe when you are thinking about an upcoming dentist appointment, public speaking engagement, or big family gathering with your annoying Uncle Ned? That’s anticipatory dread.

It’s that mental trick your brain plays where the idea of doing something hard feels way worse than the thing itself.

Most people get that feeling about their next workout. You’re about to head to the gym, but all you can think about is how heavy that barbell is going to feel, or how much those burpees are going to hurt?

We all know exercise is good for us. We want to get in shape, look great, and feel even better, but… the dread gets in the way. So, what do most people do? They skip the workout, lose consistency, and then wonder why they aren’t seeing results.

The Cycle of Dread and the Death of Your Gains

It starts innocently enough. “I’ll just skip this one workout,” you say. “I’ll be back on track tomorrow.” But we all know how that goes. Tomorrow becomes next week, and next week becomes… well, let’s just say your gym shoes start gathering dust, and that dream of six-pack abs starts fading into the background.

The cycle continues: you dread the workout, avoid it, feel guilty, and then beat yourself up for not getting the results you want. Rinse and repeat.

You’re not alone! This happens to everyone. Anticipatory dread is a master at convincing you that the couch is your best friend and that Netflix is your personal trainer. But guess what? That cycle stops today, because we’ve cracked the code.

Black Box VR: The Anticipatory Dread Slayer!

Here’s the fun part!

What if I told you that you could actually look forward to working out? I know, I know, it sounds like a scam, but hear me out. At Black Box VR, we’ve completely transformed the idea of exercise. We’re not just lifting weights or hitting the treadmill; we’re turning your workout into an immersive video game experience.

Jenn Happy Life

Imagine walking into the gym and stepping into a virtual world where you’re a hero, battling for victory—not just for yourself but against opponents in real time! You’re too busy launching fireballs (aka doing chest presses) and strategizing against your enemies to even think about how much effort you’re putting in. The focus shifts from “Ugh, this is going to be hard” to “Let’s crush this level and take down the enemy crystal!”

No more boring reps, no more counting down the minutes until the workout is over. You’re engaged. You’re immersed. You’re having fun. That’s the beauty of gamification—it takes your mind off the dread and puts you into a state of flow. Suddenly, you’re not working out; you’re leveling up.

Say Goodbye to Skipped Workouts

What does this mean for you? It means no more excuses, no more dread, and no more giving up before you even start. With Black Box VR, you’ll actually want to come back, because who doesn’t want to finish what they started in a game? And here’s the kicker: the more consistent you are, the more results you’ll see. Your health improves, your body transforms, and you finally break free from the “dread cycle” that’s been holding you back.

Walking In To Black Box VR

And just in case you’re wondering, yes, you will still get all the benefits of a serious workout. (Learn about the exercise science behind our workouts.) You’ll build strength, burn calories, and get those results you’ve been chasing. The only difference? You’ll be too busy having fun to even notice the burn.

Ready to Crush Dread and Dominate Your Fitness?

So, the next time you feel that anticipatory dread creeping in, remember: it’s just a trick your brain is playing on you. You don’t have to give in. You can choose a workout experience that’s fun, challenging, and completely eliminates the boredom that makes us want to bail.

At Black Box VR, we’re changing the way people think about exercise. We’ve got the secret weapon to help you beat the dread and finally get the results you deserve.

See you in the Arena!

Ryan DeLuca, CEO of Black Box VR

Ready to dive in? Let’s make fitness your new favorite game. Welcome to the future – welcome to Black Box VR!

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!