Playground Pump: the workout app

Our backyard playset was one of the best purchases we ever made. Being able to watch the girls swing and slide without even getting out of my PJs is priceless! I never thought about the fact that I can actually use the playset to my advantage, until I heard about an iPhone app called Playground Pump.

Playground Pump: the workout app, by Chris Rauchnot with Nancy Levin, is a full-body fitness reference that you can hold in the palm of your hand. It contains simple exercises that you can easily do while you watch your kids at the playground, instead of (or as a compliment to) going to the gym. Load it on to your iPod touch or iPhone and you’ll always have your workout with you, wherever you go.

This app uses the iPhone features very well. You can swipe through the 44 exercise cards to create your own workout and, if you want a closer look, zoom in on the cards by pinching your fingers together. You have the option of switching to workout mode to do a randomly-selected 6 exercise workout. This is my favorite feature because you get something new every time! You can even hear the cards shuffling. It all starts with a warm-up, and is followed by exercises that target every muscle in your body. Flip the cards over to get detailed instructions and check your form.

Some of these exercises are hard! Ever try swing push-ups? My 5-year old got a good laugh out of seeing me attempt it. I was afraid I was going to fall flat on my face and literally eat dirt, but thank goodness that didn’t happen! Playground Pump makes use of not only the swings, but the ladder, slide, and monkey bars, too. Find an exercise that you really like? Set the card as wallpaper, and even email to your friends.

BUY IT!
For more information and a link to buy the app ($3.99), visit www.oceanhousemedia.com/products/playground/. I have a completely new outlook on playing outside now… I’m no longer merely a spectator! I also can’t complain that I don’t have time to play with my girls AND workout anymore. If you go to the park with your kids everyday, this is the app for you.

Watch this video to see how it works:

Other than a complimentary download of the above app, no compensation was received for this post.