App Review: Coach Taylor

 

SHAPE America Standard 3: The physically literate individual demonstrates the knowledge and skills to achieve and maintain a health-enhancing level of physical activity and fitness.

This standard focuses on helping students develop the skills and knowledge necessary to engage in lifelong physical activity and make healthy lifestyle choices.

 

Sworkit

Review Link: https://www.eschoolnews.com/innovative-teaching/2018/07/09/app-of-the-week-sworkit-kids/

Sworkit is a fitness app that provides students with guided exercise routines and customizable workouts. The app includes strength, flexibility, and cardio activities that can be adjusted based on student needs and fitness levels. Sworkit offers both free and premium versions. It is designed for children, teens, and adults and is compatible with iOS, Android, and web-based devices. Eschoolnews is a credible review source.

 

GoNoodle

Review Link: https://www.commonsensemedia.org/app-reviews/gonoodle-kids-videos

GoNoodle provides movement breaks, dance activities, mindfulness exercises, and fitness challenges that encourage students to stay active throughout the school day. The app is free for educators and students. It is primarily intended for elementary and middle school students and works on computers, tablets, and smartphones. Common Sense Education is considered a trustworthy source because its reviews are written specifically for educators and focus on classroom effectiveness and student engagement.

 

MyFitnessPal

Review Link:  https://www.pcmag.com/reviews/myfitnesspal

MyFitnessPal aligns well with SHAPE America Standard 3 because it helps students track nutrition, physical activity, and personal wellness goals. Students can monitor healthy habits, reflect on their choices, and make informed decisions about their health. As a health and physical education teacher, you can connect the app to lessons on fitness, nutrition, and lifelong wellness behaviors.

 

The Winner

I believe Sworkit is the strongest choice for supporting SHAPE America Standard 3. Sworkit provides structured fitness activities that directly promote physical activity, fitness development, and healthy habits. The app allows students to participate at different fitness levels while giving teachers flexibility to customize workouts. Additionally, the guided instruction and variety of activities make it practical for both classroom and home use. For these reasons, Sworkit would be my preferred app for helping students achieve and maintain a health-enhancing level of physical activity and fitness. However, MyFitnessPal is an excellent addition because it addresses the nutrition and health knowledge components of physical education.