ACTIVE GAMING apps

In this section, I focus on applications that use either the iPad / iPod / iPhone camera, or the device's accelerometer to help one be physically active.

workout producer
(added 4/13/20)

Put your students in the directors chair of their very own workout video, with this innovative iPad App. Start by piecing together your desired workout routine using the list of inbuilt activities or use your own.
Once complete the app guides you through the recording of a 20 second demonstration of each activity. After completing all the workout demonstrations, the app pieces these together into a fully featured workout video. 
An absolutely superb student led app that results in a product your students will love. Why not use it to prepare individualized class workouts, with the students leading the action.

home court
(added 4/13/20)

From the Home Court website:
If you’re a coach, trainer, or PE teacher, HomeCourt can help you setup a virtual Team or class group so your players can stay connected and continue their skill development at home.I have to say, this app is great. Numerous drills and activities to stay active at home. No basketball? No problem. There are a number of drills that work on agility and footwork all in a gamified way.

funky dance app
(added 10/11/15)

Another great "follow along to the dance moves on the screen" app.  Choose you player and get ready to dance!

Please Note:  This app is currently unavailable in the U.S. iTunes store.

gamefit racing app
(added 12/26/14)

The idea behind the game is this:  The harder you exercise, the faster your vehicles go!  Same idea behind other apps like Virtual Active.  Place on your exercise machine and start your engine!

Please Note:  This app is currently unavailable in the U.S. iTunes store.

frogger GPS Motion Control Game App
(added 12/26/14)

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Remember Frogger? (those who grew up in the 1980's probably do).  Well, it has just been given a modern makeover.  Instead of moving the frog through traffic and avoid being squished, YOU are the frog moving across a field (for example) trying not to get squished.  The game has no touch controls but uses GPS to determine your movements.  Bicycle, scooter, or skateboard may also be used.  Cool eh!

Please Note:  This app is currently unavailable in the U.S. iTunes store.

dungeon runner app
(added 12/26/14)

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This app uses the device's camera to follow your movements as you go through exercises like squats and ski jumps.  Old school graphics with cutting edge technology make this interactive game very enjoyable.

Please Note:  This app is currently unavailable in the U.S. iTunes store.

the walk app
(added 12/26/14)

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This app is pretty cool.  First off, it is designed for iPhone but you could use it with iPad.  You are the suspect of a bomb that goes off on a train.  Through 13 hours and 65 chapters, the journey will take you hundreds of miles to complete.  Very motivating and engaging.

motion maze app
(added 11/1/14)

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Hold your device in your hands, use your fingers and tap to go left or right, and then get walking!!!  Try to get to the "X" as fast as you can.  A fun game that gets you moving.

​Please Note:  This app is currently unavailable in the U.S. iTunes store.

go dance app
(added 11/1/14)

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These types of apps are appearing more and more on the App store.  Prop your device up so the front facing camera can see you and get ready to dance.  Love it!


​Please Note:  This app is currently unavailable in the U.S. iTunes store.

just dance now app
(added 10/11/14)

If you love the Just Dance series as much as I do, then you absolutely have to get this app.  It allows you (and dozens of others) to play via your smartphone. Download the app, go to: www.justdancenow.com then hold your device in your right hand and play!  Let's Dance!!!

fitquest app
(added 8/15/14)

A cute little app that detects your running motion and has you avoid obstacles by jumping over them.

Please Note:  This app is currently unavailable in the U.S. iTunes store.

4d bowling app
(added 10/11/14)

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Do you love to bowl?  this app allows to to bowl with your iPhone or iPod.  You swing your device like a bowling ball except don't let go!  Great fun!




​Please Note:  This app is currently unavailable in the U.S. iTunes store.

real ski jump hd app
(added 8/15/14)

This game is simple.  Hold your iPad level with the floor, touch the screen to begin down the hill, lift the device and stand on your toes to jump, land safely.  No problem.

jamo app
(added 6/20/14)

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I think if this app takes off and other companies follow suit, the days of Wii and Xbox Kinect dance games may be numbered.  This is how it works:  Hold your iPhone in your hand.  Connect your iPhone to either a computer's browser, or a TV (via Chromecast or Apple TV).  Dance along to the dancers you see on your screen.  It's that simple.  Click below to see a short video demonstrating one of the songs. 

beach volley motion sensing app
(added 6/20/14)

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Transform your iPad into a Kinect-style motion sensing device.  You can choose from 16 teams and play in 5 different countries.  Uses the actual skills of volleyball as the camera sees you move.  Awesome!

Please Note:  This app is currently unavailable in the U.S. iTunes store.

Furunari app
(added 6/20/14)

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There are a couple of games inside this app.  First, saw wood as fast as you can by using your iPhone as a hand saw.  Another game involves moving your device in various ways to create music.  Simple and basic but lots of fun too!!!

Debugger HD app
(added 6/20/14)

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Do you like bugs?  Me either.  Now's your chance to get rid of those pesky little things.  Use you arms to control the canon on your ship to eliminate the bugs before time runs out.


Please Note:  This app is currently unavailable in the U.S. iTunes store.

iBatting app
(added 3/23/14)

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How about some spring training batting practice?  The idea behind this app is simple.  Turn the volume up on your device so you can hear the pitch being delivered and then swing your device (remember to hold it tightly!).  The sound from your device will tell if you just hit the ball, or if you really got ahold of one.  Great fun!

Please Note:  This app is currently unavailable in the U.S. iTunes store.

soda shake app
(added 6/20/14)

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Up to four players can play this game.  Take your iPhone or iPod and pretend it is a bottle of soda.  Shake it up as fast as you can (believe me, it gets you active) until the bottle explodes.  The great part about this game?  No sticky residue.

motoblocks app
(added 3/23/14)

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Think of this game like Tetris with your body.  Use your hands to adjust and move the blocks so that they fit together.  The more complete lines you eliminate, the higher your score.  App tracks scores as well as calories burned.

Please Note:  This app is currently unavailable in the U.S. iTunes store.

NFL PLAY 60 APP
(ADDED 1/26/14)

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Great app from the American Heart Association and NFL's Play 60 program.  Basically you hold your device so you can see the screen and begin running.  The character on the screen begins to run as you try to collect coins.  The more coins you collect, the more bonus features you unlock.  In addition, there are a variety of ideas to keep active and great nutritional info as well.

dance dance revolution pocket edition app
(added 1/26/14)

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Wanna dance?  With this app, you need to connect your phone/ipod to your Apple TV.  Place your device in your pocket and get ready to dance.  You are able to program session length, break time, whether you are a beginner, intermediate, or advanced, and pick a background photo.  Very cool!

Please Note:  This app is currently unavailable in the U.S. iTunes store.

SPACE EVADER APP
(ADDED 11/28/13)

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This is another one of those "stand in front of the iPad and control the action with your body" apps.  This one is a little different in that your control the action with your head only.  Weave in and out of the obstacles while at the same time trying to gather power ups.  There is a similar app made by the same company called "Space Evader Xtreme" which is great as well.

Please Note:  This app is currently unavailable in the U.S. iTunes store.

motion challenge app
(added 11/28/13)

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This game/app only lasts for 10 seconds but what you do in that 10 seconds is intense.  Basically you're trying to shake your device in a variety of different ways.  The crazier you shake it, the more points you score.  The app even keeps high scores.

Please Note:  This app is currently unavailable in the U.S. iTunes store.

dance duel app
(added 11/28/13)

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This game is best used with an iPhone or iPod touch.  Select the number of players and dance away with your best dance moves.  Then, a challenger (up to 100 players!) tries to duplicate your exact moves.  The app has settings so the sensitivity can be set to easy, beginner, normal, or hard.  You can play by yourself too.  Let's Dance!

Please Note:  This app is currently unavailable in the U.S. iTunes store.

defcow one app
(added 11/28/13)

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Yes, it says "Defcow One" not "Defcon One"!  Aliens are trying to capture all the cows on the planet.  It is your job to stop them from doing that!  Pick up the iPad and look to the sky all around you (yes, you have to turn your body all the way around to find the aliens).  Find one picking up a cow and stop the aliens by using your laser to knock the alien ship around.  Great fun.  Take this app a step further.  Stand on a "Spooner Board" to play the game!

Please Note:  This app is currently unavailable in the U.S. iTunes store.

jellyfish downpresser app
(Added 9/14/13)

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Stand the iPad up so the camera is facing you and have fun pressing down those pesky jellyfish!  This app includes a very informative tutorial that walks you through how to play.

Please Note:  This app is currently unavailable in the U.S. iTunes store.

airman app
(added 9/14/13)

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This app is not necessarily a motion camera app but it does get you moving.  You control the plane on screen by not only tilting the iPad left and right but you also need to turn all the way around to turn the plane that way!  Very neat.  Stand on a spooner board and try to play this game.  Very challenging!!!

Please Note:  This app is currently unavailable in the U.S. iTunes store.

ice heroes app
(added 9/4/13)

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This is another one of those "Fruit Ninja" type games.  Hold something brightly colored in front of the camera to calibrate and you're on your way.  Unlock levels based on your performance.

air cut app
(added 9/4/13)

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Once again, a "Fruit Ninja" type game.  Very basic and no need to calibrate.  Just make sure it's used in a well lit room.

goalkeeper (augmented reality) app
(added 7/23/13)

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Stand in front of the iPad and defend the soccer balls being kicked toward you.  Similar game to the "KeepAR" below.

Please Note:  This app is currently unavailable in the U.S. iTunes store.

skyhunt app
(added 7/23/13)

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Being a big Sci-Fi guy, this app is right up my alley.  Prop your iPad up and use your hands to guide the target to launch rockets to knock down invaders from outer space.  Kind of like a 21st century version of "Space Invaders".  I LOVE this app.

Please Note:  This app is currently unavailable in the U.S. iTunes store.

boing app
(added 7/23/13)

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This game is very similar to the AR Soccer app below.  Use you device's camera to view your feet kicking up different objects into the air.  You can kick a balloon (easy), soccer ball (medium), or a hacky sack (hard) into the air.  You can even challenge a friend to a competition.  Cool huh?!



​Please Note:  This app is currently unavailable in the U.S. iTunes store.

keep Ar-augmented reality football app
(added 7/23/13)

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Another great augmented reality game.  Lift your device up and move it from side to side to block the soccer balls like you were a soccer goalie.  Very challenging and tons of fun.

Please Note:  This app is currently unavailable in the U.S. iTunes store.

jump jump froggy app
(added 7/23/13)

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Talk about a cool app.  In this app, there are 3 games you can choose from.  My favorite is "Sit-up Snake" where you hold the iPad and perform sit-ups.  In addition, there is a game called "Jump Jump Froggy" where you hold the ipad and jump up and down to catch flies.

AR soccer-Augmented reality soccer game app
(added 7/23/13)

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Ever want to juggle a soccer ball but don't want to carry a soccer ball around and worry about breaking something?  The use your iPad/iPhone with this app.  Using the camera you keep the soccer ball in the air with your feet as the camera "sees" your feet kicking the ball in the air.  Takes a few tries to get the hang of it.  

kung Fu Skeeter app
(added 7/18/13)

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I don't like "skeeters" either!!!  In this game, you stand a few feet away from a propped up iPad and when the skeeters come up, squash them!  Great fun.


Please Note:  This app is currently unavailable in the U.S. iTunes store.

Motion Rugby app
(added 7/18/13)

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Another "watch out" app.  Stand the iPad up and when the rugby players come at you, dodge from side to side to avoid getting knocked down.

pop & dodge app
(added 7/18/13)

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Got to love this game!  The idea behind this game is to hold your device (IPad, IPod, or IPhone) and when a ball comes toward you, JUMP!  It's as easy as that.



Please Note:  This app is currently unavailable in the U.S. iTunes store.  

darts revenge app
(added 7/18/13)

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Prop your IPad up so you are visible on the screen and WATCH OUT!!!  As the darts come at you, move from side to side to avoid the darts.  The longer you stay in, the more points you score.  After 3 darts hit you, the game is over.

Please Note:  This app is currently unavailable in the U.S. iTunes store.

Motion cut app
(added 7/18/13)

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Do you like "Fruit Ninja"? Then this app is for you.  Instead of using your finger, you use your hands to cut the fruit when it comes up on the screen.  It takes a little getting used to but when you do, it's great fun.

Please Note:  This app is currently unavailable in the U.S. iTunes store.

zumba dance app
(added 7/18/13)

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This app is as close as it gets to the "Just Dance" titles for the Wii and Xbox Kinect.  Stand in front of the iPad camera a few feet away and dance like the performer on the screen to earn points.  Let's Dance!!!

Please Note:  This app is currently unavailable in the U.S. iTunes store.

JUMP ROPE WORKOUT APP
(added 7/1/13)

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With this application, you attach your device firmly to a thigh, waist, or an arm.  Then start jumping rope!  The accelerometer counts the number of jumps.  By the way, it's free!!!

POP FLUX APP
(added 7/1/13)

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Another motion detection game that uses the iPad camera to detect your movements.  Very similar to the "Ball Strike" app described below.  Very cool!

Please Note:  This app is currently unavailable in the U.S. iTunes store.

bird up app
(added 2/20/13)

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This is another motion detection game similar to the Xbox Kinect device.  Set your iPad up so you can see the screen and flap your arms to keep the bird flying!  Takes a few tries to get the hang of it but tons of fun.

Please Note:  This app is currently unavailable in the U.S. iTunes store.

ball strike app
(added 2/20/13)

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Feel like a workout but don't want to go to the gym?  Then you should play "Ball Strike"!!!  Think Ipad game and Xbox Kinect mixed together.  Place the ipad upright so you can see the screen and move your body to pop the balls that appear.  Great fun and it even keeps track of calories burned.  The paid version ($.99) has many levels with extras not found on the free version.  More and more apps like this are beginning to appear on the app store.

Please Note:  This app is currently unavailable in the U.S. iTunes store.

bit breaker app
(added 8/31/12)

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Do you remember the old Atari game of "Breakout"?  Well, this game is Breakout with your body!  Prop your iPad up so the front facing camera can see you and have a ball.  Basic graphics but super fun to play.

virtual active app
(added 8/31/12)

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Although not a true "Motion Camera App" it is quite possibly one of the coolest apps I've seen.  In enables you to take a journey through picturesque sourroundings while exercising on a treadmill, elliptical, or bike.  The ipad has a sensor inside that detects movement so when you place this on your treadmill, elliptical, or bike while exercising, the landscape moves by you as if you were out there in the outdoors.  Connect your ipad to Apple TV or a projector and watch out!!!  Includes a free workout with others that you can purchase.