AR Runner

     AR Runner is an augmented reality app that encourages physical activity as obstacles/activities are seen digitally on a phone screen. AR Runner is available on  Android and iOS mobile. It costs only $0.99 for most features and has an additional $1.99 for premium features. It allows for users to compete against each other in two player competitions (using the same device) or log in to see how individual scores compare to the scores of all other users. I think that this is a great tool for individuals and could absolutely be used in PE classes or for sports teams.

Single Player:
Field Set-up - In single player mode, you first choose a field size. It gives you measurements in meters or feet so you are comfortable with what they are asking. The app can be used inside or outside. However, they suggest that you do some pre-planning and are very aware of your surroundings prior to starting a game and while you are engaged. With size measurements, you could utilize this in a space as small as a workout room in your home to a football field.  

Choosing Your Game Mode - Once you've established how large your area is, you decide one kind of game that you will play. The first type is 'normal'. The 'normal' mode is where you essentially run to dots (they almost look like beams going up to the sky) to activate them. Once you've run to one dot, you must run to the next active dot and so on. You can run in designs of a line, triangle, square, hexagon, box with diagonals (premium only), and cross (premium only). These different shapes create unique challenges in cutting and moving. You are timed when you do these activities and you can try to better your score as you continue using the app. 

The next mode that you can use is called wall punch. This mode works your upper body. It creates a 2 circle x 3 circle digital image in front of you and then one of the holes light up. You punch through the hole with your device in hand. Then, another hole lights up (kind of like whack a mole). Your goal is to do this as quickly as possible in the 30 seconds that you are allotted. 

30 Second Rush is a premium feature. Your goal is to run to active spots in a 3 x 3 dot square in 30 seconds. When you've reached the active dot, another dot will light up showing you your next destination. 

Enemies is an interesting feature that I am convincing myself to fork over the $2 to try. It is essentially 30 second rush, but you have to avoid 'enemy' blocks. When one circle becomes activated, another circle takes on a color showing that it is an enemy block. It makes it more challenging in that you may not be able to run straight to an active circle, but most run around and in different directions/designs. 

Challenges: 

Challenges are an interesting aspect of this app and it really gives the app a 'video game' feel. Challenges give you multiple goals that you must accomplish to move on from level to level. These challenges usually involve either cumulative use of the app or beating a certain goal in a single or multiplayer activity. Once you have beaten one level by accomplishing all goals, a new level appears with a new set of activities. 

Local Multiplayer:

You can use AR Runner with your friends! With local multiplayer, you are able to do competitions of two, three, or four players. Essentially, you choose a single player competition and then take turns completing it on the same device. It lets you know when to pass it to a new player. 

Local Leaderboard: 

If you sign in to AR runner, you are able to be included in and see a list of high scores in activities. You can see how you stand in each of the different competitions.

My Activity:

I tried wall punch. This is where you 'punch' your device through the 2 x 3 design of 'holes' in front of you. I didn't do very well, honestly. My experience with this app is that you really learn as you go what is required of you. Initially, I wasn't sure how far I would need to punch through the holes so it took a couple of attempts and I honestly wasted a few punches that I wish would've counted. You definitely get used to these features the more that you use the app, though. 

General Thoughts:

This app is awesome for individual teachers, PE students, and sports teams. As teachers, we are encouraged to take care of ourselves and take time to make sure that we exercise and do things that we enjoy. This app allows us to do this in a relatively small area and in a short period of time. As long as BYOD policies are favorable and you can convince students to shell out $.99, PE coaches should love this app. As a coach, I would love to use this app. We are always looking for ways to make workouts engaging and fun. Competition and variety accomplish this and are definitely present in this app.