Mr Robbo

The PE Geek Apps Website

Posted on March 20, 2012 by mrrobbo

In recent months I have begun development of a offshoot website for app development. The website can be visited via www.thepegeekapps.com and provides a myriad of ways for users to interact and gather assistance surrounding any of the apps within “The PE Geek” range.

You can also sign up for the “The PE Geek Apps” mailing list to stay in touch with the latest apps set for release. Feel free to ‘Like’ the Facebook page or follow us on Twitter. If you have an idea for an app you would like to see made into reality, get in touch with us and let us know or vote for other ideas at the following link.

Check out the support pages for the existing/upcoming apps at the links below: Easy Assessment, MusicWorkout, 12 Minute Run, Step Test, Run Lap Tap, PE Games, Group Games

Filed under: apps | 1 Comment »

Top ‘Apps’ for PE Teachers – Part 11

Posted on March 8, 2012 by mrrobbo

Zombies, Run

Every now and then an app comes along that totally breaks new ground. Introducing Zombies, Run an awesome running adventure that takes place in a zombie infested world. How does it work? Users simply place their headphones in and commence running. The app will take you on a wild ride as “Runner 5″, who seeks to help build the ‘Abel Township’.

The app uses the internal GPS to simulate zombies chasing you at different moments throughout the mission. As you speed up, you escape the, slow down and your gone. Ultimately what we have is a new age twist on interval training with a really exciting story telling component added in. Check the video of the app in action here

Chronology Timer

A great stopwatch app that allows for multiple timers to be ran at the same time. It works in both countdown and count up modes. Really useful for cross country events or situations where one person is required to time multiple things. Also comes in a free version.

Virtual Heart (iPad)

This FREE iPad allows users to see inside of a model heart as they change the Heart Rate from resting right through to max. It then allows users to label key components or explore elements such as blood flow, right through to valves/electrical impulses. Will be using this in class to help visualise the concepts of acute responses to exercise. For example, have students complete a step test and determine their HR, then use the app to show them what their heart actually looks like at that exercise load. Grab it here

MusicWorkout

Use this app to have your music guide you through interval training sessions. Simply set the rest and work lengths along with the number of sets and have the music on your device tell you when its time to work and rest. Users can choose from 3 ways to be informed of a change in interval;

Change volume at rest (Music gets quieter) and resumes at work
Pause music at rest, resume at work
Receive a bell at rest with music continuing play

CoachPad (iPad)

A brilliant app that can be used by coaches to organise teams and develop team tactics and strategies. The app allows any sports ground to be added by image import, meaning that even the most obscure sports can be used. This is a must have in any Games Sense based classroom.

Breathing Zone

This groovy well styled app is perfect for guiding the users through deep breathing exercises that promote relaxation. In a PE or sports science class this app can be used to teach theoretical components such as, mental rehearsal, imagery or other sports psych theory.

Body Age

This simple app guides users through a series of fitness tests covering all key fitness components with the idea of eventually providing you with an overall body age. A great way to explore or introduce senior students to the concepts of fitness testing, protocols, chronic adaptations and fitness components. I really recommend checking out the rest of Simon Taylors other apps perfect for the PE Teacher here.

Check out the other top app lists here – Part 1 – Part 2 – Part 3 – Part 4- Part 5 – Part 6 - Part 7 - Part 8 - Part 9 – Part 10 or grab the PE Apps app for a great one stop collection of the best PE apps.

Filed under: apps | 6 Comments »

The PE Geek Giveaway

Posted on March 5, 2012 by mrrobbo

Recently this blog hit an average daily traffic figure of 1000 views, to celebrate this I am giving away a really groovy prize perfect for anyone utilising iPads or any other 10 inch tablets in their classes. So what is it you may ask? Check the video below for a demonstration of the exciting HeloStrap

As you can see the HeloStrap is an incredibly useful device for PE teachers, sports coaches, students and anyone using mobile devices.

So how do you win it you may ask? Its simple…..Reply below ensuring you leave your email and I will randomly pick the winner from a hat at the end of March 2012 and post anywhere in the world. Feel free to share this competition with as many people as you like. A number of runner up prizes will also be awarded including promo codes for free apps from The PE Geek Apps

Filed under: prizes | 42 Comments »

The MusicWorkout App

Posted on March 4, 2012 by mrrobbo

Late last year my year 12 students were developing training programs that required them to develop an understanding of the different training methods and principles. Within these programs, the class completed group circuit training sessions in which I used a stopwatch and whistle to facilitate the work/rest ratios. As this was happening it was obvious that keeping an eye on the stopwatch detracted from my ability to observe the training and render assistance.

With this in mind, I decided that an app that allowed custom workouts to be developed so that a users ‘Music’ could be used to guide them through the workout would be really useful . It would not only free up the need to watch a stopwatch but would also perfectly integrate music into the exercise session, helping to motivate.

Well 3 months later and “MusicWorkout” is finally available for iPod/iPhone and iPad users. MusicWorkout is a unique interval timer that utilises your music to inform you when it’s time to rest and time to work. Perfect for teachers, coaches, trainers or anyone looking to improve their fitness

Check out the demo of the app in action below along with a demo of two upcoming new apps. One of them being a massive update to the 12MinuteRun app from last year, giving it www.runkeeper.com integration

Go ahead and sign up to the mailing list for “The PE Geek Apps” for the latest deals, promo codes and the chance to beta test the latest apps – Sign Up Here

Filed under: apps | 1 Comment »

Must Have Health Gadgets

Posted on February 15, 2012 by mrrobbo

The personal health space has exploded in recent years with heaps of cool gadgets that integrate with mobile devies to help people track their health in ever expanding ways. So I thought I would share a couple of the devices that I would love to see under my Xmas tree this year.

Withings – The Blood Pressure Monitor

Take your iPhone, iPad or iPod Touch to the next level with this awesome blood pressure monitor. Use it to track your changes and share your results with your doctor or family. A great addition to a PE department to teach the theoretical basis of blood pressure and acute responses to exercise. Check the device out in action here

The Wifi Body Scale

What happens when you add WiFi to a set of scales? Introducing the Withings Body Scale which sends all of your vital statistics directly to you computer or mobile device. You can even setup your scales to tweet your daily metrics. Check out the video of it in action below.

Although plagued by initial trouble on release, the UP device by Jawbone is a cool health monitoring device set to record everything from sleep to exercise and sync it to your smartphone. Users can join challenges that seek to improve their overall health. Sign up for the next release at the website.

Wahoo Blue HR for iPhone 4s

I recently purchased one of these handy devices for my iPhone 4s and it has integrated nicely into my exercise regime, allowing me to track heart rate changes as compared to other data like speed, distance etc. The Wahoo Blue HR takes exercise to the next level with apps like Endomondo and Runkeeper allowing for live online monitoring.

Swivl – Personal Cameraman

I simply cannot wait to get one of these devices into my classroom. Simply place your iPhone or other mobile device in the cradle, attach the sensor clip to your clothing and you have your own mobile cameraman who follows your every move. A great addition to PE classes and activity analysis tasks.

Scosche My Trek

An alternative bluetooth enabled heart rate monitor that is worn on your forearm instead of your chest. The device also integrates with mobile applications to gather and record your heart rate and training metrics. A perfect choice for schools where device sharing is required. Check out the promo video here

Fitbit

This groovy little accelerometer allows users to wirelessly track their activity throughout the day. All information is then accessible via a mobile application or the fitbit.com website. Use this device to determine if students are meeting the physical activity guidelines/sedentary guidelines. Check out the video of it in action below

Zeo Sleep Managament

A cool little sleep management unit that allows you to track your sleep patterns including the different phases of sleep. Considering we spend 1/3 of our life doing it, it certainly could be a worthy investment. I would love to integrate it into sports psychology discussion in senior physical education. Check out the video of it in action here

Zephyr BioHarness

At present only available for Android devices, however word is of a future release for iOS devices. Attach this to your mobile device and run an app like SportsTracker Pro and you can capture heart rate, breathing rate and skin temperature. Simply awesome.

Filed under: gadgets | 7 Comments »

Top “Apps” for PE Teachers – Part 10

Posted on February 5, 2012 by mrrobbo

Instant Replay Camera

Finally the app I have been waiting for has arrived. An app that allows for simultaneous recording and playback. Simply set the desired “delay” and start recording. The app will record video without audio, then commence playback after the delay period has expired. The app will continue to record as it plays back the footage. This provides teachers with the capacity to setup an iPhone/iPod on a fixed position with a 10 second (or greater delay) allowing for plenty of time for students to return to the device after performance to review. Simple to use and free. A must have.

Tap a Lap

Tap-a-Lap is a useful lap counting tool that can be used to record/predict metrics during a run/walk/ride etc. Simply set the distance per lap and the distance you would like to complete. As you complete a lap/students complete a lap, simply tap “lap” to update information such as speed, distance, average speed, remaining time etc.

Fleetly Fitness

Another social fitness app that allows you to log your workouts, connect with friends and join challenges. I really like how the app provides you with an overall fitness rating as a simple number based on your workouts.

MyFitness Pal

Although this app is essentially a calorie counting tool, it does provide opportunities to teach theoretical concepts on healthy foods and exercise. The app allows for the simple tracking of all food and drinks over the course of the day, exercise can then be added to the mix to help balance consumption. I plan to use this app with my senior physical education students as a diary for them to track the food groups they consume in the lead up to competition. It will also provide us with opportunities to discuss exercise metabolism and other physiological concepts.

Instant Replay: 5 Seconds Back

A simple app, that does one thing. Records using the video camera for a designated period (5 sec – 5 minutes), followed by immediate playback. This automated process means that students can easily film a peer’s technique, and quickly review, speeding up the time it would take to initiate playback. Simple, yet highly effective.

Kinetic GPS

This app is the swiss army knife of GPS tracking, with the capacity to be customised to however the user desires. Use it during the 12minuterun or team sports to capture the average speed and distance travelled. Use this information to inform training and discuss theoretical concepts

10K Runner

Although not a new app, it is something I am using at present to move from a comfortable 5km run to 10km in preparation for the Run With The Kids charity run in April this year. The app guides users through an interval training program of increased duration, resulting in an eventual solid 10km run. The app could be used to look at training principles or concepts such as progressive overload and diminishing returns.

The final app featured inside of the above image is “MusicWorkout” which is currently awaiting release from the app store. Expect a blog post of its features very soon.

Filed under: apps, mlearning | 7 Comments »

Twitter for PE Teachers

Posted on January 31, 2012 by mrrobbo

Twitter is without a doubt the best resource I currently have access to. It provides me with opportunities to interact with teachers from all over the world, sharing ideas and resources. However on a number of occasions I have had those who are new to Twitter tell me they are not quite sure how to make the most of this powerful tool. With this in mind I thought I would record the initial setup of my new Twitter account @ThePEGeekApps. Check it out below!!

The creation of my new twitter also coincides with the launch of my new free iPhone/iPad app called “The PE Geek“. The app is a mobile version of this blog containing YouTube videos, social media links as well as the future home for a complete list of must follow PE Teachers from around the world.

Filed under: twitter | 4 Comments »

Top ‘Apps’ for PE Teachers – Part 9

Posted on January 30, 2012 by mrrobbo

TrainingLoad

Another incredible app by Dr Grant Abt the guy behind TimeMotion and PLATO Sport. This app allows users to easily calculate a training sessions overall intensity or load. It does this by allowing the user to enter their resting heart rate, average heart rate during the session a long with the session duration and RPE (rate of perceived exertion). The app will be extremely useful in senior Phys Ed classes when students are developing and completing their own training programs. Will allow my students to see how modifying duration and other variables effects overload/tapering of a program. (See Pic Right)

Nexercise

This rewards based app allows users to earn points for the exercise they complete. Users can earn badges, take up exercise challenges all within a socia networking style environment. The device tracks users activity using both the accelerometer and GPS, ensuring that points actually need to be earned. A useful tool to look at motivational strategies and objective methods of measuring physical activity.

Jog.fm

Recently discovered this app which matches the speed of your running/walking with songs in your music library. It does this by scanning your music library to determine the BPM of your songs, it then picks a song that matches the speed you are moving. Run faster and you can expect an up tempo song to get you moving, slow down and it will match something that suits. Brilliant.

RipDeck

An interesting exercise app shared by mrbridge204 on twitter that uses the deck of playing cards to generate workouts. Has the capacity to track your training history, providing an opportunity to learn about the development of training programs/training principles.

60beart Heart Rate

By compiling this app with additional hardware you can use it to track your heart rate variability during exercise. I particularly like how the app breaks your workload up into intensities and then tracks how long you spend within this intensities. Great for discussing energy system usage, fatigue and recovery. (See Pic Right)

racquetTune

Use this amazing app to help you ensure that your tennis racquet is set to the appropriate tension. Simply place your device on the ground , hold the tennis racquet above the device and tap the strings with a screwdriver. The tension reading will be displayed for your use. You can also track the bounce of a tennis ball to determine if it fits within the acceptable level of 53 – 57% of its drop height. Check out the demo video here. In a senior class, this app could be used to teach students about the coefficient of restitution and other biomechanics principles.

Isometrics

A simple app useful for teaching students about the different types of muscle contractions. The app contains exercises that can be performed in static classroom environments free of any required equipment. As the name suggests all of the exercises use isometric contractions, which are those that occur when a force is developed but the muscle length doesn’t change.

Check out the other top app lists here – Part 1 – Part 2 – Part 3 – Part 4- Part 5 – Part 6 - Part 7 - Part 8 - or grab the PE Apps app for a great one stop collection of the best PE apps.

Filed under: apps, mlearning | 4 Comments »

Top ‘Apps’ for PE Teachers – Part 8

Posted on January 19, 2012 by mrrobbo

Cardiograph

Cardiograph is a super high quality app that tracks your heart rate via your devices camera. The best feature about this app is the capacity to create multiple profiles, making it perfect for a class full of students. Also if your running iOS 5 and using iCloud then all of your measurements will be synced to all of your devices instantly. A must have app. Also available for android

Workout Trainer

An awesome app that puts a personal trainer in your pocket. Contains 1000s of individualised training programs based on your level. Pair it with an Apple TV unit (see pic to left) to share the trainer with your entire class.

Easy Assessment

The app all Teachers should have for ensuring that they are gathering evidence behind their judgements of students skill levels. Simply use the app to develop simple slide rubrics and then capture video and images of students performing skills to assist with you evaluation. All results can then be emailed or synced with the videos/images to a dropbox account. Check out the demo of it in action here. Also coming soon to android.

GymPact

GymPact is a groovy app that allows users to make a pledge about how often they want to exercise and the penalty they are prepared to be pay if they fail to meet their goal. The user then “checks in” to the gym on arrival and the app goes to work tracking the users location for to ensure they stay at the gym. If the user meets their goals for the week, they can earn cash rewards, otherwise if they don’t meet their goals their credit card is debited based on the pledge they made at the beginning.

iCelsius

Turn your iPhone/iPad/iPod into a digital thermometer with this app and a set of probes. The works between a range of -30c to 150c. This would prove to be a useful addition when studying how body temperature rises when exercise commences, which can then lead to discussions about energy metabolism and recovery strategies.

Fit Freeway & Virtual Active

Exergaming finally hits the iPhone/iPad with these cool games that uses head tracking by the devices front facing camera to control the action on your screen. Used in conjunction with an exercise bike/elliptical/treadmill the basic premise is that the faster you move, the greater movements of your machine which the app tracks and therefore the faster your move the action in the game. Heaps of fun. Check out the promo video here

Sports Injury Clinic

A great little app with over 100 sports injuries along with treatment. Perfect for studying sports rehab and injury prevention subject areas.

Check out the other top app lists here – Part 1 – Part 2 – Part 3 – Part 4- Part 5 – Part 6 - Part 7 or grab the PE Apps app for a great one stop collection of the best PE apps.

Filed under: apps | 10 Comments »

Android Apps in PE

Posted on January 10, 2012 by mrrobbo

In recent months I have taken an interest in Android devices and as a result have purchased an Android phone strictly for development purposes and for testing apps. Considering that over 3.7 million Android devices were activated over the Xmas weekend, Android is clearly the mobile operating system with the greatest market share. With this in mind I thought I would share my top apps for Android.

SportsTracker Pro

This app has got to be the best tracking app I have ever come across. It not only allows the user to track their speed, distance, time, altitude etc via the GPS, but with additional hardware you can track your heart and breathing rates as well as your skin temperature. The best thing about this is the fact that a performer can be tracked live opening up a world of possibilities in the classroom.

Sports Rules

Developed with PE Teachers in mind this app contains the essential rules of 18 popular sports for swift reference. More sports will be added in time making this app the one stop shop for teachers prior to introducing a new sport.

Multi Reps

A great little app that guides you through a training program in pursuit of your ultimate goal. Users can pick either push-ups, situps, dips, squats, pull-ups or enter their own exercises. A great addition to circuit training and teaching students about concepts such as fixed load, individual load etc.

Endomondo Sports Tracker

Another sports tracking app that integrates well with social networks allowing you to challenge friends. Available in both free and pro versions.

Instant Heart Rate

From Azumio inc the makers of the best heart rate apps, comes this fantastic one which uses the devices camera to track heart rate. Works best in well lit areas or with devices that have a flash. Tracks the tiny colour changes that occur as a result of capillary refill.

Beep Test

Conduct the classic Multistage Fitness Test with your Android device. The app can keep track of multiple runners and also predict a V02 max on completion.

Sparticus Workout

The workout made famous by the movie 300 is now available as an app. A great app to assist with teaching around training and physiological responses to exercise (hypertrophy etc) See the demo here

Accupedo- Pro Pedometer

A superb pedometer app that employs a powerful algorithm to count the steps you take ignoring any movement that isn’t walking based. A great app to discuss the behavioural factors that effect physical activity. Teachers could use it to have students compare and contrast how your place of residence and workplace effect your activity throughout the day.

Workout Trainer

A really high quality workout app that guides your through workouts with audio and video cues. A great app to discuss how a training program should be developed and implemented.

Ease into 5K

The famous app that guides the hardiest couch potato to a complete 5km run. Users can then step up to the next level by completing the Ease into 10k app.

So there are some of the apps that I’m currently playing with and finding useful. However being a relative newbie to the world of Android apps, I would love to hear what others consider their best apps. Leave a comment below and I will be sure to include them in next blog post and the soon to be released “PE Apps” App – Android version.

Filed under: android, apps | Tagged: android | 4 Comments »

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