Meta’s recent layoffs are causing concern among Supernatural users, many of whom rely on the app for their fitness routines. One such user, Tencia Benavidez from New Mexico, has been working out with Supernatural in virtual reality for over five years. She started during the Covid pandemic and found it to be an ideal workout option due to her rural location and harsh winters. The community and supportive coaches kept her motivated, making her experience with the app special.

Meta’s acquisition of Supernatural and its struggles

Meta bought Supernatural in 2022 as part of its push into the metaverse and VR space. The purchase was controversial and faced legal challenges. The US Federal Trade Commission attempted to block the deal over antitrust concerns, accusing Meta of trying to dominate the VR market by acquiring popular services. Despite the legal battle, Meta ultimately completed the purchase.

At the time, some Supernatural users were hopeful that Meta’s backing would help the app grow and improve. They saw the company’s investment as a chance for the fitness platform to expand its features and reach more users. However, the recent layoffs within Meta have cast doubt on the company’s future plans for Supernatural and other VR projects.

Impact on users and community

The layoffs have left many Supernatural users feeling uncertain about the app’s longevity. For longtime users like Tencia, the community and coaching staff made a big difference in their experience. She describes the coaches as authentic and approachable, which helped her stay committed to her fitness goals through VR. The potential loss of this personal touch worries many fans of the platform.

While Meta has not officially announced any shutdown plans for Supernatural, the layoffs suggest changes are coming. Users are concerned about reduced support, fewer updates, or even the app’s discontinuation. This has created a sense of mourning among dedicated users who see Supernatural as more than just a workout app—it’s a community and a source of motivation.

Overall, Meta’s recent organizational shifts are highlighting the volatility in the VR and metaverse sectors. For Supernatural users, the hope now is that the platform will continue to evolve and support their fitness journeys, despite the uncertain future driven by corporate restructuring.

Inspired by

• https://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2026/01/metas-layoffs-leave-supernatural-fitness-users-in-mourning/

Sources

• ftc.gov
• bloomberg.com
• theverge.com
• cnbc.com
• fitxr.com