Took a beginner silks class here and had such a great time! I was a little intimidated at first, but the excitement quickly took over. The instructor was super kind, encouraging, and explained each step clearly, which made it easy to follow along even as a total beginner. A few years back, my kids also took the parkour class and absolutely loved it--it was the perfect way for them to get moving and burn energy. Overall, this place has such a fun and welcoming vibe. Highly recommend for both adults and kids looking to try something new! read more

Really cool spot. Took a handstand class here which was excellent but there are also a ton of other classes I want to take. Friendly folks, great facility. read more

The playground offers variety of classes. The classes are more social than a yoga studio. The teachers are quite dedicated to their work

Great place to learn about your body and how to move naturally. I would recommend the space even for a small trial

This place is so wonderful! I have no fitness experience, but I took a beginner/intro aerial silks class, and the teacher was very accommodating for all skill levels. I love how small the classes are so you can get a lot of individualized feedback on how to improve and learn. It's also great that they offer classes so late in the evening, because Im someone who simply can't wake up early.. so combined with commute time that's a big thing that prevents me from taking classes at a lot of other places. Their class prices and class pack prices are reasonable. I can't wait to come back read more

Slater is great with kids, teaching them how to explore and play in a supportive environment that teaches them to trust their bodies. He's skilled at helping them develop proprioception, risk evaluation, resilience, and self-confidence. Great for kids who want to burn off energy in a safe, fun, not--overly-structured format. Highly recommend for the little squirmy ones. read more

Steve was amazing!! The kids learned alot and had a blast. Thank you for creating this cool community space for play, exercise and growth.

Ms. Allie was super helpful and my daughter LOVED her first class. I was very impressed how she kept the kids (11 in total) all busy for the entire hour. My daughter hasn't stopped raving about her class and can not wait for the chance she gets to return! read more

Wonderful place! Homey, clean and welcoming. I'm a professional aerialist - new to the area. Was pleased to see safety, comfort, affordability, and kindness read more

My god, I hate this place. I purchased the one-week introductory offer and signed up for acrobatics and aerial conditioning. The acro class was awful - I walked in after warm up had started and a quick glance around the room told me this wasn't going to go well. People's form is not good, and I couldn't tell who the instructor was. My instructor warmed up our wrists because "we're going to be using our wrists a lot." And then was like, "no we're not." And then someone else asked what we would be doing, and she pretty much had no idea. There wasn't much instruction - we were just told to work on a move, and she didn't break it down at all. She admitted she has trouble with her words...and that's a problem if you don't demo it either. My thing is that you will only be as good as your instructor...and I could tell this adage rings true when you look at the students. I didn't even come back the rest of the week. Waste of my time. They refer to their clients as "monkeys" and...uhhhh...take that as you will. It was 4/20 and it smelled of weed and circus BO the whole time. Why do people come here? The facilities aren't great - ceilings are okay, rooms aren't all that big. yes it's cheap, but you get what you pay for. read more

What can I say.... FUN, FANTASTIC, FRIENDLY!!!!! Classes are sooooo much FUN!!!! Instructors are FANTASTIC!!!! And the people that you meet and workout with are so FRIENDLY!!!!! I just took my first three classes, Tumbling, Aerials, and Handstands. I hesitated to try any of these classes because I really had no experience, but on all of their class descriptions, they said no experience needed, so I thought I would give it a try and put myself out there. Turns out...no experience is needed, REALLY!!!! I learned new things (obviously) in each class. The instructors are patient, encouraging, and a ton of fun!!!!! Parking is easy, prices are really reasonable, if I had one wish, they would be closer to where I live... I have to travel an hour to get to class, but it is well worth it!!!!! HIGHLY RECOMMEND THIS PLACE!!!! IF YOUR THINKING ABOUT IT, STOP, AND JUST COME TO CLASS!!!! read more

The backstory: I found a recent love for being in the air this year through aerial yoga and I couldn't get enough of it. Sadly, the place I was getting my fix ended its time as the business wasn't generating enough folks and wasn't as popular as initially expected. Fast forward a month or so searching for something similar to aerial yoga I found aerial silks. Similar, you say? I say the aerial silks are a total workout to say the least. Takes a great deal of strength, flexibility and coordination but it is an absolute joy to be in the air and quite frankly being free. On top of finding the aerial silks at the Athletic Playground they offer so much more here. Everything from acrobatics, acroyoga (yay!), trapeze, parkour... Plenty of classes to fit your fancy. Above all, it is FUN!! I'm playing and getting my workout on. It's sad when time is up.. Already looking forward to the next playtime. Not knowing anyone here is a bit intimidating at first but once you get into the swing of things, introductions at the beginning of each class and warm up it isn't so bad. The instructors are full of energy, friendly and make the class both informative and fun. Take advantage of the $30/intro week to try out the classes they offer. It's as simple as signing up online through their website or making the visit there. I will definitely return although not as often. Recommended! read more

Athletic Playground - Summer Camps Near Me - Emeryville, California

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I don't have a single negative comment about this place. The atmosphere is engaging, the staff kind and helpful, the teachers are exceptional. Athletic Playground is my new favorite place to get in shape while having SO MUCH fun. HIGHLY recommend everyone try out an aerials class if they get the chance. I'll never need another gym. read more

I have not taken a class here yet. I walked in because I was at the Martial Arts place next door. I walked in to ask questions because I thought this might be a good fit for my son. There were two woman at the front counter would barley looked up to answer my questions. No hello no nothing. Business MUST be good if you treat prospective customers this way. I can see now from the previous reviews this was not a one time thing. read more

The whole family can take classes at AP. My daughter has been enjoying Adv Monkey University, my son loves Walker's parkour class and any class that Homer or Colin teaches. Now that I have become familiar with the process oriented environment I am loving all the classes I take at AP! Yesterday, I took Kate's level 1 aerial class for the first time and I have to give her teaching ability a huge shout out. She is an ace at differentiating instruction. She taught me a piece of what I would need to know for the much more difficult sequence she was working on with the more experienced students. This made me feel so comfortable being new and less intimidated being inexperienced and like I was part of the group. Coach Kate is a gem. I am proud of myself because I could barely climb a silk 8 weeks ago, but since I've been attending monkey conditioning with Kelton and Shira and acro with Colin I've been getting so much stronger and it was so much easier! I'm also happy I can do a proper cartwheel. Being in my 40's it's very important that I stay fit and get strong! We drive to AP from Castro Valley because we love it!!! - Theresa Jones-Heintz -- read more

Was really looking forward to trying a drop in class. Made it clear it was my first time. Spent 25 bucks for a class with no format or structure. Instructor left multiple shy participants out (me, I was mostly informed of everything I was doing wrong with little/no instruction), not much positive feedback and was not welcoming or warm to the newbies, or anyone really. It felt like junior high rope climbing humiliation. The rest of the staff was friendly and I was super jealous of all the happy people coming out of their happy classes but the instructor tonight really just made me feel like a loser for not excelling my first time doing aerial skills. Enjoyed the activities themselves a lot, as well as the amped up staff and clients I talked to outside of my class, seems like I just got an exceptionally off class. Might return for Free Play. read more

Was visiting the Bay and came here for an "Aerial Conditioning" class. Class was small and the instructor was great, even though she had a cast on her arm, LOL :-). This is a low-key down-to-earth place, and folks here seem to be very serious about their craft. read more

I came here for an Aerial Skills class with no experience doing any such thing. We arrived about 5 minutes early, not having been warned about a check-in process, and the waivers took so long that we missed the beginning of the class. The facility is well-equipped, and I liked that it was open to the outside. Our instructor was nice explained things clearly, making sure to emphasize how to avoid injury. However, the pace of the class was very slow. We spent so much time stretching and practicing the same basic techniques that we only got to learn 2-3 skills over the course of an hour-long course. Though the class wasn't expensive as far as fitness classes go, I didn't really feel like I got much bang for my buck. I also didn't feel like I got a full workout, despite having spent an hour at Athletic Playground. read more

Fortunately I didn't have the problem with front-desk people that others have had, or it would have put me over the edge (more than everything else, outlined below as a warning). Other reviewers have also highlighted what there is to like here--variety, particularly in Monkey Conditioning--that people bored with gym routines can really get behind. Also, I like that it is locally owned and operated. But that's it. I made the terrible mistake of joining this gym with a two-year membership before trying it out first, and it cost me lots of frustration on top of the money. In brief and in order: 1. The place reeks. It smells like BO and feet. If you're already a bit out of shape you're going to huff and puff through Monkey Conditioning, but what makes it worse is breathing in the smell. Doesn't matter whether the door is open and there's a breeze, and it's worse coming in right after the previous class. In one breath you get BO, and in the next breath you get feet. It's gross (and the aerial silks smell the worst). 2. Mentioning this to one of the owner-managers (and some instructors), I felt it wasn't taken seriously and I was scrutinized for having a strong sense of smell rather than "heard" that it's a legitimate ick factor. 3. Some instructors are more professional than others, and it makes for a range of experience that can touch on dangerous or just plain annoying. Some instructors feel disorganized, while others feel like they have class favorites, while others feel like they're performing rather than teaching (read: hooping). In one Monkey class I felt really endangered; you cannot make strangers carry each other across the room while running and competing with others, especially in different weight and experience categories. And $20 to watch the hooping "teacher" show/perform rather than teach? If that's your thing.... 4. If you're over 30 you're old, and if you're over 40 you're really old, and if you're not a burner you might even feel singled out. (They have even closed the gym for the week of Burning Man.) 5. First class was once free. Makes a lot of sense. Now first class is TWENTY DOLLARS. Yup, that's 20 smackers, which is a lot of dough to throw down for especially the less-pro instructors. Your mileage may vary, of course, but I do feel the horrible smell, favoritism, and teacher skill variation in particular need to be noted for anyone thinking of joining. I certainly wish I'd had fair warning. read more

I've found classes here to be really great but as with a previous reviewer, I've gotten burned by unaccommodating staff and a sometimes frustrating system. Here's my story: I took a few classes here and loved them but couldn't afford to come regularly, so my boyfriend gifted me a $150 membership card. The first time I go to use it, the guy at the counter (Dave) won't sign me in- he says there's nothing on the gift card. So I'm kind of upset, but I'm pretty early for the class and live about a 5 minute walk away so I run home to see if my bf has a receipt. He doesn't have one, but he gets a girl there (Jen) on the phone who checks and tells him right away that the card IS registered and is on their system. So I run back over (in the cold, in my yoga pajamas) and get Dave at the counter again. He doesn't apologize for the error, and actually kind of acts like it was my fault. I'm pretty sure my role in the matter was confined to handing him the card (which I performed admirably, I must say), so it was a pretty lame experience. Anyhow, at this point I'm 5-10 minutes late, and ready for this class- but by now the class has filled up, and even though I was there earlier, they won't let me in! I'm kind of in awe. I ask for a free class voucher or something for all the hassle, but the dude just says "well, the first class is free anyhow." I tell him again that this ISN'T my first class there. He doesn't say anything, and a girl next to him at the counter (Jen?) tries to be helpful and kind of apologizes for him, but that's it. I just go home. At first I was really stoked to be able to take a bunch of classes at this place. I'm still interested in taking them, and like I said, the classes are good, but I'm pretty bummed about the way I was treated. read more

Great facility with a wide range of classes. Maybe there's something wrong with me - but after taking a few introductory classes here, I just decided it wasn't "fun" to run around making monkey noises in a large group of people I don't know. The whole "pretend" and "fun" element just eludes me - perhaps this is because I am a middle age spinster who doesn't have children - I want to learn skills like handstands and functional fitness and agility - but I just don't enjoy fakey over-the-top buddy-buddy aspect of the interactions here. read more

Go to fulfill your inner child, Cirque de Soleil dreams, or Pink @ the Grammys fantasies. They've got a variety of classes, from parkour, monkey conditioning, acroyoga, and aerial conditioning (which is the class I tried). It's a lot harder than it looks, but the first time you climb that aerial fabric just two inches off the floor, you'll feel like a star. Most of the aerial conditioning class is spent on stretching and prepping your body for aerial skills, with the last half hour for actually getting on the equipment. Be sure to wear clothes that will allow you to hang upside down or be looked at from below without embarrassment. Great way to work on your core and strength in a fun environment. First class is free! read more

The alternative gym for people who hate gyms, i.e. 24-Hour Fitness. No bland aerobics routines. No treadmills. No Precor ellipticals. No staring vapidly into space as you pedal your 100th mile on a stationary bike. No human steam locomotives huffing and puffing away at a 300-pound clean and jerk. No hernias. No groans of constipation. Leave that to Gold's Gym. Athletic Playground builds functional muscles and muscular functions. Cosmetic muscle freaks might learn to do something actually cool or useful with their bodies here. Like hold people up with their feet. Gracefully descend from the ceiling on a piece of drapery. Cartwheel with no hands. Flip backwards. Flip backwards with another person. Form human step ladders (like in the Beijing Olympics). Walk on their hands. Fall without hurting themselves. At the very least, they will discover muscles they never knew existed. The only gym I liked as much as Athletic Playground was Crunch, and that's only 'cause Crunch had a similarly strange offering of classes: Trapeze, Pogo Stick and Pole Dancing, for example. If you don't like classes, you structure-haters can come to Open Gym and do what you like. Only downside to Athletic Playground is the crowding (except on Friday nights). The Playground has become a victim of its own success. read more

Hello, awesome? Athletic Playground is crazy cool. Thanks to Yelp Deals, I took a parkour class and joined about a dozen other neophytes and experts alike in jumping across walls and cat walking up high. I came away with a skinned knee and a bruised ego that I wasn't the next incarnation of spiderman, but damn if it wasn't a blast. What you need to know: pants are better than shorts (see skinned knee above). All shapes, sizes, and abilities seem to be welcome. Kids are technically not allowed, but they apparently make exceptions if the kid's parents are well established with Athletic Playground. Highly recommended. read more

Unexpectedly, my little flirtation with the aerial arts has become more serious than I expected. Again, great, intentional instructors, welcoming community, and my body gets stronger and can do more things day by day! read more

This place is great! The first class is free! I took the 1 hour aerial skills class today and had a lot of fun climbing and swinging around. Our instructor, Sam, was patient and not to mention very skilled. Since this was our first class, we got to learn only introductory skills. We started off with some warm ups, moved to the aerial fabric, then the trapeze, back to the fabric, and a warm down. This class was really a great work out. I feel sore in my arms and abs! There's also a ton of other classes you can take at this multi-functional gym. From break dance to handstand class to hula hooping to monkey conditioning (yes monkey! go to their website to read up on that). If you're thinking about giving this place a try, you totally should! The first class is free, so what have you got to lose? read more

Easily the most fun and affordable place to train acrobatic and aerial circus arts in the greater bay area (if not the West Coast, on the whole). This is high praise, considering the competition, and I speak from the perspective of a professional circus performer who has scoped out the territory quite thoroughly. The feeling of inclusiveness, and encouraging community here is striking. By my second visit it felt like coming home. I have a space to train where I live, and I still pay the (price-of-a-good-mocha) $5 to play at the athletic playground's open gym whenever I get a chance to; the company and atmosphere are worth it. This place is the ultimate pick-me-up, whenever I'm feeling in a rut, spending some time at the Playground makes everything better. read more

Athletic Playground is a warm, supportive, nourishing community full of opportunities to move in an array of exciting ways. They've just added a truly fantastic pan African dance class on Friday nights taught by Shereel Herese Butler Washington. Shira Yaziv's classes are positively masterful and about so much more than what they are "about"., and honestly I've only encountered teachers and artists of the highest caliber there; it is a jaw dropping collection of talent. My son, who is 13, loves it, too, for the parkour offerings. It is a life changing space, absolutely. read more

I think Monkey Conditioning is one of the most fun things I have ever done in my life. AND IT'S A FORM OF EXERCISE. Holy crap. It's exhilarating, and challenging, and strong-making, and confidence-building, and just plain FUN. I came to the first class out of shape, after recuperating from an injury, and I have never gotten stronger faster. Without the slightest bit of drudgery. Everyone should do this. Especially every stuck up yoga bitch / fitness freak / Men's Health-oid who thinks they are above the rest of humanity because of their awesome superhuman hardbody. You're a primate like the rest of us, and if you don't like to play, you FAIL! I look forward to every class, and I am even beginning to think about taking tumbling and handstand class and spending the rest of my life upside down basically. Also. I was there when someone was having a meltdown because they had to obey the same rules as everyone else. It was unpleasant, and mainly reflected badly on the person having the meltdown. I am personally pleased they don't let people into the class who are more than 10 minutes late, a fact that they might want to plaster all over the website and online schedule, but that is typical of most responsible exercise classes. We all have to get out of our house on time and park our cars/lock our bikes/generally manage our schedules. I've been turned away from yoga before when I was too late, and I managed not to have a meltdown about it. It can be challenging to be a monkey AND a grown-up - but if I can do it, pretty much anybody can. read more

The reviews don't lie, this place is pretty cool. I've been to one class so far (got a pass for 4 classes from Living Social to give this place a go). I tried Parkour (intro level). I'd seen the youtube videos of parkour in action, but being too scared to risk my body to cement objects without knowing what to do, I decided to give this class a try. What I found out: it's an adventurous workout! Parkour class was a lot of fun (and a bit scary, but pushing yourself past your comfort zone just made it all the better and more rewarding when you got it right!) I went into it thinking it wouldn't be a great workout, but would be neat to learn. I was only half right. Both a great workout and fun to learn! Can't wait to come back and give Parkour another go, hopefully next time I'll be able to get my congo's down! read more

I tried their 1 week trial which was great value to come in for unlimited classes and check the place out. Ended up addicted to aerial silks, so I became a member, and now I've been around for several weeks and feel up to writing a quick review. The aerial classes are SUPER fun and the instructors are knowledgeable and encouraging. I will say that its very challenging for a newbie--and this is coming from a dance teacher/personal trainer. It is a bit learn-by-doing as the intro classes tend to be large and you can't always get personal attention, but the other students are kind, encouraging, and ready with advice. You'll jump right in without a ton of preamble, so its suited to those of us who are willing to laugh at ourselves and be patient. No one at this place is judging you. If you're genetically curvy and as flexible as wood like me you'll be in the minority, and it does tend to be all 20-30 somethings. Doesn't bother me, but I mention it for other Yelpers who may want to know. I saw some previous reviews about a front desk guy who was rubbing people the wrong way, but I guess I haven't encountered him or he's been fired. All the front desk people have been professional and friendly. Their in-person sign in system is fine, but the web site is a bit clunky to find/register for classes. They don't seem to cap class sizes so you may as well just show up and keep it easy. I'm taking one star off just because of the clunky online system, and their pricing structure is a bit confusing (I've worked at a gym before and had to explain pricing to clients before--its not super hard to make it clear). The aerial fabrics and mats are a little smelly on a hot day, but it doesn't make me nuts. read more

I LOVE it here! I did a week trial - and utilized it! coming to classes 3-5 hours a day, every day, feeling it all out. Unfortunately (FOR ME) I did this right as I left town. I will be back next month, and literally and considering moving to Emeryville to be able to fully embark on an acrobatical adventure! Parkour, handstands, acrobatics, acro yoga, monkey conditioning, aerials, ALL OF IT! how do I choose, how do I do it all?! I'll soon find out! :D read more

Perspective: I hadn't taken classes at a movement/acro/trapeze/circus facility. For years I was a regular gym rat (the elliptical & stair-climbers) & went through yoga training for a couple years. Athletic Playground: Classes I've tried: Flexibility, Handstands (Level 2), & Monkey Conditioning Monkey Conditioning + Rachel Baker: Challenging, Fun, Motivational. I've gone regularly for the past couple months now. I don't sweat much, even as someone who regularly works out, but Rachel's class motivates & pushes me - I sweat! She challenges one to push the self, both verbally & physically, addressing various levels of physicality. It's clear she has a knowledge base that allows her to be comfortable with her own (high) level of physicality & other's/mine. Initially, post warm-ups, the majority of the class was structured as a circuit (1x) done in pairs; she recently tried a circuit (3x). I like both, but it really does depend on the instructor for me. Finally, she's fun, funny, a goofball: crucial to keeping me pushing myself further with the dynamic sets of exercises she brings in! read more

What a gem, super peeps and a great idea! A little hard to find the entrance, it's kinda hidden on the side of the building that looks like a warehouse read more

Want a good work out, but you're bored with weight lifting? Come to Athletic Playground! I decided to be adventurous and sign up for an aerial class with some friends. I am a little weakling, so I was nervous and skeptical at first, but the class ended up being pretty fun! The trainers are all super nice, and they are keen on making sure you are working the correct muscles without hurting yourself. I took a one hour class, and I was so sore the next day that I could barely even move. Arms were sore, abs were tight, butt was burning, and thighs hurt to the point where I could barely walk up stairs. I plan on coming here once a week for the next couple months to really improve up my full body strength and flexibility. read more

Jump, flip, roll, stand on your head, your hands, your forearms. Learn some new skills, improve on the old ones, or just flat out get into shape. Meet new people and learn to work with others (that's been one of the best parts for me). Athletic playground is so much fun and all the coaches and people are so great that once you take a few classes you'll want to take them all and keep coming back for more. I love The Playground. Go in head first by taking a Monkey Conditioning class or just get your toes wet by taking some of the Introductory ones (aerial, parkour, etc. - did I mention that this place has parkour classes?) Whatever your comfort level is soon you'll be taking 1, 2, 3 classes in a row! This place is so great it's been worth all the trips across the bay for me. You won't go wrong at least trying it out. One thing to note is that most people visiting the gym are quite fit and seem to do even the hardest exercises well even if they claim it's their first class. Don't be intimidated. After all, improving oneself is not about competing with others but with yourself. Keep at it and soon you'll see the results. read more

If you were ever looking for a place to undo what sitting at a desk all day in front of a computer does to you, then look no further - The Athletic Playground is the place for you. Packed with classes on all kinds of acrobatic things that most of my co-workers only see on TV, I am constantly amazed with the classes they offer. Now with two additional rooms re for a total of three class spaces the from Monkey conditioning to handstand class and Acro-yoga I could spend a few nights a week there. And now they have a new yoga class - Meditative Power yoga on Monday nights. This place is definitely worth checking out. read more

Athletic Playground is AMAZING! Their classes are engaging, challenging, playful, and incredibly fun! Their daily Monkey Conditioning classes are one of the best ways of starting the day. The staff are awesome. The space is fantastic. Wish I could give them 6 stars :) read more

On Oct. 2, AP had free classes so a friend and I reserved a spot for the 1pm parkour class. Upon arrival, I was surprised to see how small of a place it was. The area looked basically like a small open warehouse. Off to the side was a little makeshift cafe offering gyro, hummus, tamales,etc (it was pretty good). There were perhaps 20 people in the class and I wondered, "I'm just a beginner... how is this going to work out?" All my worries were out the window when we all split up into three smaller groups, practicing different tumbles, vaults, and jumps at each station. I wish I remembered all of the instructors' names, but they were supportive, helpful in breaking down the basics, giving feedback, and allowing students to practice at an appropriate pace. At the end, you put all your skills together for an obstacle race. I literally knocked the velcro off the floor from one of the vaults I was trying to jump over D: I bought the groupon (5 drop in classes) and am looking forward to the other activities they offer! I was very surprised at what I could do in such a short amount of time. Highly recommended! read more

Best place eva! I want to pack everyone up and put them in my pocket and feed them little snacks like tiny awesome acrobatic pets! Seriously, fun is the only way to describe this place and everyone in it. read more