workout apps

In this section, I focus on applications that focus on providing individuals (or whole classes) with workout / fitness-type activities.

1 Song Workout app
(added 12/26/16)

The One Song Workout app uses high-intensity interval training to provide your body with a fulfilling workout all while listening to your favorite tunes. The creators of the One Song Workout app liked doing the 7-minute workout, but found it repetitive and boring. You do the same exercises, in the same order, day after day. It would be more fun if the exercises and order were rotated to provide some variety. And music always makes workouts better. You want some pumping jams to get you going. So the One Song Workout app was born!

Exercising to a 3 – 4 minute song is not a complete workout by itself. But you can easily integrate the One Song Workout into your existing exercise routine by using it as a warm-up. Or do multiple songs in a row to create a longer workout. Or use it for a fitness challenge. How about a 30 day fitness challenge where you do a different song each day? However you end up using the One Song Workout is great because you will be moving around and being active, which burns calories and makes you healthier.

7 minute workout app
(added 3/21/16)

In the long list of 7 Minute apps on the app store, I find this one to be one of the best.  It provides not only great video demonstrations for each exercise, but also a nice narrated description of each exercise as well.  Many options and workouts.

strength stack app
(added 3/21/16)

I have to say, I love this app and the subsequent website and their very fun and engaging fitness cards.  Watch the video below to see more info about the app and then click on their website link to learn more about their amazing fitness products.

fitness poker app
(2/19/16)

This is a great app that can be used at a station or over a projector.  This is how it works:

1. Tap "Deal" to start
2. Choose the cards you would like to "hold"
3. If you beat the dealer, you get to rest. If you don't, you must do the exercises indicated on the cards.
​
You are able to customize the exercises as well.  It's that easy and a lot of fun!!!

sworkit kids app
(added 11/22/15)

First off, I would like to say "Thank You" to the kind people at Sworkit for not only allowing me to beta test this app, but also for allowing me to talk with them when the idea of a kid's version was proposed to them a year ago. This app displays kid friendly exercises that students can follow along to if you project it up on a screen in the gym. It allows you to also play music in your music library in the background while the app is running. My kids loved it and so will yours.

Fitness Dice App
(added 2/15/15)

I have to say, this app is very cool.  Roll the dice by pressing the "Roll" button and exercises come up with descriptions and illustrations.  Great for using with a projector.

fitness wheel app
(added 2/15/15)

Another random exercise generator!  Spin the wheel and see what comes up.  Descriptions and illustrations make this app a must have.  In addition, each exercise allows the user to pick the level of difficulty.  Great for using with a projector.

lazy monster app
(added 11/23/14)

First, you can find this app on the app store if you look under "Lazy Monster 5-7 Minute Workout Trainer" for the iPhone.  I connected this app up to a projector and it led the students through 10 fun and age appropriate exercises for kids ages 5-10.  There is catchy music that goes along with each exercise.  My kids loved it!!!

12 minute athlete app
(added 8/15/14)

This is a great app that has a variety of workouts based on the following equipment: Bodyweight only, Box, Dip Bar, Jump Rope, Kettlebell, Medicine Ball, Pull Up Bar, and Sandbag.  If you're not sure what an exercise is that you are asked to do, there are descriptions and videos to help.  Great app.

stretch it app
(added 4/28/14)

Picture
Another in Jarrod Robinson's "It" series (Also available are Jump It, Balance It, and Spin It).  A great collection of stretching exercises for students of all ages.  This app is also available in eBook format.  Teachers can either show them via a projector in class or print them out for use in stations.  Either way, great app for Physical Education.  Click on the links below to purchase.

sworkit app
(added 4/28/14)

Picture
I can't believe I've taken so long to review this app.  Do you need a great collection of exercises for the whole class to do with a projector? Select a workout type (Strength Training, Cardio, etc…) then part of body (Upper body, Core Strength, etc…) and the amount of time for the workout (5 to 60 minutes) and press Start.  App even includes videos on how to perform each exercise and you can run music from your device in the background!!!

3d4 Medical apps
(added 2/2/14)

Below is a series of apps from 3D4Medical.  The best way to describe their apps is: "WOW"!!!  These apps are absolutely essential to anyone who teaches human movement, anatomy & physiology, or kinesiology.  Great visuals and easy to use navigation.  Below is a description of some apps that apply directly to Physical Education taken directly from their website.  Scroll down to see a listing of their other cool apps and a link to their website.

iDance app

Picture

An energetic and fun way to keep fit. iDance! will help you learn popular dance steps while working and toning your body. With a wide variety of dance styles, our instructor will guide you through steps and moves for Club Freestyle, Disco, Bachata, Salsa, Samba, Burlesque, Bollywood, Hip Hop, Merengue and Swing.

imuscle 2 app

Picture
iMuscle 2 is an award winning Health & Fitness app that has everything you need to plan and track your fitness program. Use our anatomically correct model to identify a muscle, view a selection of exercise results, add to a workout and get moving! You can then track your workout progress, share your achievements and do it all over again for any of the 152 muscles mapped with any of the 600 associated exercises. iMuscle 2 was designed with multiple users in mind, making it ideal for fitness instructors and physiotherapists.

imuscle home app

Picture
iMuscle Home is a highly visual, 3D-based health & fitness app that provides everything you need to plan and track your fitness progress. Use our anatomically correct model to identify a muscle, view a selection of exercises, add to a workout and get moving!
Users can track their workout progress, share achievements and do it all over again for any of the 152 muscles mapped with any of the 286 associated exercises. iMuscle Home was designed with multiple users in mind, making it ideal for fitness instructors and physiotherapists.

fitdeck apps
(added 2/2/14)

I have been familiar with Fitdeck now for a few years.  The best way to describe their app(s) is to read a description from their website:

"FitDeck is a custom deck of playing cards that makes exercise more simple, convenient and fun. By shuffling the cards, you constantly create new and exciting workouts no matter what type of fitness activities you love. With 40 different titles to choose from, you are sure to find a FitDeck that fits your lifestyle."

A great way to use these in Physical Education (If you only have one device) is to project them with a projector on the wall and have the students perform the exercises.  Of course you could purchase actual decks of cards to use in class as well.  To get the full effect of what the cards look like and to see videos of the exercises, go to their website from the links below.  A great addition to any Physical Education / Sports program!
Please note: Once you go to their website, you can click on "FitDeck Mobile" that has a link to the App store where you can download the apps.
A collection of short videos with examples of exercises in each deck.

wod shake app
(added 2/2/13)

Picture
Description from their website:  "WOD is "Workout of the Day" and this app has over 200 different workouts that will appear on a random setting when you SHAKE your device."  Great for Physical Education classes as a whole class activity (Project your iPad on a wall) or as a station activity with just a few students at a time.  Click on the button below to go to their website that has other great apps for teachers.  Great job Dale!!! :)

Workout in a bag app
(added 10/26/13)

Picture
Another great app you can project on the wall and have all the kids follow along.  You can add your own music from your devices music library.  A fun way to get kids exercising!!!

ibootcamp app
(added 10/26/13)

Picture
This app is a virtual personal trainer.  Select the difficulty level and you're on your way to a healthier body!  Also a great app to project on the wall and have students follow along.  Go to the "Exercises" button and have students follow along.  Most exercises are free but you can upgrade to unlock all exercises and features.

full circuit app
(added 9/14/13)

Picture
The free version of this app is pretty neat (There is a paid version which unlocks more features and videos).  Basically it is a collection of short videos that demonstrate all sorts of fitness exercises.  In addition, there is a built in audio workout that walks you through a series of exercises for a complete workout.  I project the videos in my gym to show students the proper form of each exercise.

remix workouts app
(added 9/14/13)

Picture
In this app there are a series of fitness exercises that are demonstrated via video.  Pick individual exercises, or go through an entire workout that includes a warmup and cool down. Workout duration can be adjusted as well as transition rest time. 

leg exercises app
(added 7/18/13)

Picture
This app and the one to the right are two of ten total apps by this company.  Each set of exercises has illustrations and directions for performing all types of exercises based on the specific muscle group.  Basic and simple.

cardio exercises app
(added 7/18/13)

Picture
Ditto...

MY HEART RATE APP
(added 7/1/13)

Picture
No need to have a heart rate monitor to check if you are "in the zone". This app let's you check your heart rate by just putting your face in front of the camera.  You must be in a well lit area for it to work.  And while no app is perfect, this does the job.  Paid version allows you to use your fingertip for heart rate measurement and it has a breath rate measurement as well.

My z 7 Minute App
(added 7/1/13)

Picture
Although there are many of these "7 Minute" apps out there, this one is my favorite.  Along with the typical exercises that go along with a 7 minute workout, this app plays a great background track to exercise to.  Get it, connect it to a projector and sound system, and get moving with your classes!!!

C-FIT DANCE APP
(added 12/23/12)

Picture
"C-Fit is a children's fitness program consisting of twelve workouts that include yoga, dance and cross training.  Differentiated for kids at any fitness level, use one set of workouts excusively or mix and match to create a customized exercise program for children."  This is a quote from the producers of this app.  I have to say, not bad.  Connect this to a projector in the classroom and you just had a quality lesson when, "Oh No...It's picture day in the gym and it's raining outside!!!"  A lifesaver.  There are videos for Hip Hop dance, West African dance, and Latin Fusion dance.  Priced at $.99.  Cheap, quality app.  This app is the C-Fit dance app.  They have 2 other apps as well - C-Fit Yoga and C-Fit Cross Train.

workout producer app
(added 7/1/13)

Picture
Great app if you want to customize your workouts (or your classes workouts).  There are five categories of exercises to choose from (Upper Body, Lower Body, Cardio, Core, and Stretches).  Drag and drop the exercises into the activity list and then press record.  After you record you can view the movie you have just created with exercises on the screen for all to see!!!  Great app.