Supernatural to relaunch as independent VR fitness app
Leanne Pedante confirms app will retain library of 3,000 workouts as it pivots from corporate subsidiary to agile independent entity
Supernatural, the virtual reality exercise platform previously owned by Meta, is set to relaunch later this year as an independent company. The transition follows Meta’s announcement in January of staff cuts and a pause on new content for the app, which had previously sparked concerns regarding its future. Leanne Pedante, the Head of Fitness and founding coach, has confirmed that the service will retain its existing library of over 3,000 workouts, coaches, and environments.
The service will revert to its original pricing structure of $20 per month or $200 per year. A discounted founding member rate of $180 for the first year is available for new and existing subscribers. The company is also introducing a quarterly scholarship program to support members experiencing financial hardship, a move Pedante attributes to the company’s new operational agility.
The restructured company describes itself as a "flat organization" with no bureaucracy, allowing for rapid response to community feedback. Pedante highlighted community engagement efforts, including attending meetups in Seattle and Denver, where she interacted with hundreds of subscribers. The company is actively exploring expansion beyond VR headsets, potentially utilizing camera-based projection technology similar to Microsoft’s Kinect to allow for controller- and headset-free workouts.
Pedante indicated interest in developing non-VR training programs, such as "couch to 5K" initiatives, to maintain community trust and habit formation outside the headset. The app was originally founded by Chris Milk and Aaron Koblin as part of their VR studio, Within, before being acquired by Meta. VR fitness hardware costs have increased since launch, with the Meta Quest 3S priced at $350 and the Quest 3 at $600.
Traditional fitness clubs offer more equipment for intense cardio and strength training, which VR headsets alone cannot replicate. However, Supernatural has built a strong community, with users citing benefits such as avoiding commutes, equipment hygiene issues, and communal showers. The company is currently negotiating music rights and will begin releasing new content, which has been paused for some time.
