Love this place, some of the most creative and athletic people go here. I definitely feel like I'm playing.

Worst run facility I have ever been to. Misleading and poorly run. Very disorganized. It's sad too because the classes for kids are great. But no one knows what's going on. And if your 1 min late and signed up u get bumped and turned away. What's the point of being a member if that can happen. Don't waste your money read more

I took an aerial class here as part of Bay Area Dance Week and had a blast! The facility is clean and they opened the door so that there was plenty of fresh air. I hope to come back soon to take more classes! Their pricing is extremely affordable, I wouldn't hesitate to buy their monthly unlimited membership if I lived closer! read more

I love the AP. I have taken the stretching class, partner flips and an adult games class. So much fun. The best way to work out.

I LOVE LOVE LOVE the playground. I mainly take parkour and acrobatics classes but you can't go wrong with any of the classes as the staff is really what makes this place special. It is a great community and I am proud to be a member. read more

This place is fabulous. If you hate traditional gyms and enjoy letting your inner child run rampant (or if you need a socially acceptable place to climb on things), this is the place for you. I've taken acroyoga and aerial acrobatics. Open gym is also fantastic people watching. read more

Athletic Playground has a very talented staff. I have taken class with Kat and Sam, they were both great instructors and superb demonstrators of the aerial arts. Plus they made the experience superfun! read more

This was the most fun workout I've ever had. I took the aerial class, and we got right down to business. I climbed the fabric on the first day! (and that's saying a lot from the kid who couldn't get up the rope in gym class). Very supportive atmosphere. read more

Did I just have this much fun? [In Parkour.] Hard to believe. Or was it all a dream!? I may have been the oldest, most inflexible and least experienced person there, but Zach kept it super understandable and accessible, with lots of advice personalized to my (beginner) level. Delighted to have discovered this place; joints permitting, I think it's going to be part of my regular routine. TL;dr FUN! read more

I've been doing the Monkey Class with a friend on Sunday mornings and it has been fantastic. I echo the comment on a gym for people who hate gyms. A full body workout that can't be beat. All good people. read more

This place rocks. I got involved because being an exercise junky, I was interested in exercise being the result, but not the purpose. I started taking the aerial fitness class about a month ago and I LOVE IT! The people are really wonderful, really cool, really friendly. I've taken both aerial classes, and both teachers are really good. Oh--and it's, like, less than half the cost of classes at certain other circus/tumbling-training schools out there. I have a crush on this place. :) read more

A recently opened alternative gym, so far I went twice. Overall, its amazing, I never thought a workout could be so much fun. I also liked the variety of unique classes they offered. read more

It's about time I write a review. I love taking aerial classes here. All the instructors have been nice, helpful and inspiring, but Caitlin is my favorite. Things just seem to click for me when she breaks things down. I like the way she'll teach a skill, build on said skill, and reintroduce something from the previous week. And before I know it, I'm doing a small sequence. Minus one star because 1 hour isn't long enough for aerial classes when considering warmup and cool down. read more

I've been coming to the Athletic Playground for about 9 months now, and can confidently say it's one of my favorite places. The classes are a good workout, but more importantly (for me), they are really fun! The instructors (especially Zach F. and Kelton, who I've taken Acrobatics and Parkour with, respectively) are friendly, knowledgeable and supportive, and I really appreciate the attention given to beginners so they feel safe and comfortable with the exercises. Overall, it's a great community and it's hard not to walk away feeling great about the skills you learned and the people you met. read more

I just signed up for Breakdancing classes - a Yelp deal - 4 classes for just $24 - $60 value! Can't wait! Love their website, and their customer service so far! read more

Clean facility, friendly staff, and unbeatable deal on open gym time, for aerialists who need a place to work out!

I love this place! Friendly instructors in a comfortable atmosphere challenging your body in fun and different ways with workouts that are no work, all play. If you're looking for something different, this is the place. read more

What is stopping you, really stopping you, from getting into the best shape of your life, and have a F*N blast doing it? Go get monkeying at Athletic Playground, or rev up your freestyle breaking moves, get your yoga ON, or work on that handstand back flip that has just been so... elusive, till now. Or, be like me and jump up and down with glee for the opportunity to be granted permission to try any that suit your fancy. Just breath, and enjoy the play. read more

Exactly what I was looking for. I took an acrobatics class with Zack, and had a blast. It was serious instruction towards some pretty rad goals, but for any level, in a very supportive environment. I never expected to use my brain so much in a physical class--the day after, my brain is almost as tired as my body! I'm going back as soon as I can. read more

Best. place. ever. I love all of their classes and all of their teachers. I never feel like I'm working out, I always feel like I'm playing yet somehow I am more fit than I have ever been. read more

Love it! My friend and I visited AP for the first time thanks to a Yelp deal for sale back in January. We took the Monkey Conditioning class and it was an AWESOME workout! So much fun, challenging enough and we were both tired and sore after. The only kind of icky thing was the fabric rope deal that was part of the workout...to be completely honest it was a little stanky. Other than that, good times! Can't wait to take our next classes there...maybe parkour or some other awesome thing, many options! read more

At first I thought the Athletic Playground was just a random outdoor playground in Emeryville. Then I was happy to discover that is actually an indoor space where I can indulge all my favorite interests: yoga, music, dance, and many new ones that I'm discovering, such as capoeira and "heavy ball conditioning". The place seems to attract really friendly, energetic, fun-loving, creative people. It feels as if a new community is growing there. The owners seem to really love what they are doing, and I can't blame them. I highly recommend coming there on one of the monthly Sunday movie nights, and going to the Acro Yoga class beforehand (at 5pm). read more

This place rocks. I live in San Jose so the only thing is I wish is something similar here in the south bay. The instructors know their stuff, and have the skills to prove it. Parkour, aerial gymnastics, capoeira, etc. If it wasn't too far away, I would been going there regularly read more

Such a great place to go and pretend you are 10 again! Instructors are super excited to teach and the other students are always friendly and inviting. I really wish I lived closer to the gym. read more

Great teachers, silly policies. Show up 7 minutes late and give away a 6-year olds spot even though we made a reservation. 6-year old in tears... person at the desk stands by policies and generally acts like an arrogant jerk. You are in the service business my friend. Your business might be popular now but no one will stick around if you treat them the way we were treated. Not sure if I was talking to the owner or just an employee, but if the owner is reading this, I hope you coach your employees to try and make customers happy even when it is hard. read more

Great selection of classes...Parkour is a blast. I haven't had the bad experiences with the people other reviewers have had. Their policies are clearly laid out. It's a little expensive. It also can smell a bit weird, but it is a gym where people are sweaty and barefoot so I expect that by the end of the day. Not bad in the mornings, though. read more

I was visiting the bay area from Portland and wanted to keep my aerialsilks/trapeze chops up while I was there. The Athletic Playground was marvellous! I signed up for the 1 week trial since I was going to be in town for a couple of days and I went to 4 classes over course of 2 days. I couldn't get enough. The monkey conditioning class was difficult but so energizing. I also did the partner flexibility class, then did 2 open play sessions. Everyone was super friendly and welcoming. The facility was fantastic and fully stocked with all kinds of equipment for stretching, parkour, etc etc. I intend to go back there anytime I am in the area. read more

You can't get a better selection of active classes anywhere in the bay area. Nice inclusive people, students are fun too and the facility is well maintained. Only thing can be better is prices. read more

I have been here a few times, as my girlfriend is a regular here. The instructors were really great. I had Zach and Rachel, both for monkey conditioning. Great class, great instructors. My friend and I had been looking for a new gym to join and my girlfriend was certain we'd join this gym. So why the one star? The front desk dude is one of the rudest, most unprofessional people I have ever had the displeasure of meeting. My girlfriend says he is the front desk person 90% of the time. My friend and I were trying to purchase a one-class pass and he was wayyyyy more interested in talking with stupid accents to his friend and hugging every random that came in than helping us out. Worse than his disinterest in his job, he was legitimately rude to us. Honestly, he is terrible, and more than one Yelp reviewer has pointed this out. Even my girlfriend admits he makes her gym experience worse and she is now actively searching for a different circus gym, one where she doesn't dread dealing with the front desk person and is not too embarrassed to bring new people because of the rudeness one must experience at the front desk. Firing people sucks but I mean, come on Athletic Playground, this one bad egg is actually losing you consequential business. read more

Fun, creative, unique way to play and exercise. There is such a lovely spirit in the area, a feeling of community. I highly recommend it.

This place is fun, fun and fun. The best place to become a kid again. Exercise as you play. Very social, instructors give personal attention, extremely friendly and all very interesting people. High energy. If you can't do stuff, instructors will give you personal attention and help you to go forward. My most favorite class of course is Parkour. Oh, high level of excitement, tons of play, laughs, falls, all is there. Aerial conditioning is also a lot of fun, and strengthens the upper body so fast. Handstand is still very difficult for me, but I appreciate Hassan's spotting me as i pitifully try to stand on my hands. So sweet. Wonderful classes, really this place is home away from home. Be ready to have fun. Play, laugh, get strong without even realizing it. read more

Shira and david are AMAZING, and the place is so friendly and welcoming!!! Try it- you'll love it!

This place is awesome. Shira, who teaches loads of classes is an amazing teacher. Classes are fun, but in the same time have proper warm ups, challenging at the right level, and I really feel the change with what I can do within a few weeks of training. This place is still small enough so you get an amazing community feeling, something that I never had before in a gym. Highly recommended. read more

Went here a couple times: once to do an aerial class and once to see the talent show. Both were incredible experiences. The aerial class was just plain fun and an incredible shoulder/back/core workout. The talent show was great too because I got to see the diverse talents of the members and the diverse skills that are taught there. I would join if I lived anywhere near Emeryville. HIGHLY recommended for anyone looking for a new fun way to stay fit and meet some cool people. read more

I went to Athletic Playground for the parkour class and the handstand class and thought that that would be enough. Oh no, after going for a month I was taking their Partner Flips , Aerial Improv, Aerial Fitness , Capoeira , Tumbling , and Monkey Conditioning classes. All of these are taught by good teachers that actually help you. All of the other people who rated these 5 stars definitely have their heads screwed on straight. read more

I have been wanting to get fit and tried one of the big box gyms that had an offer at Costco. Hated it and only went a few times. I don't want to "muscle up", but rather tone up and gain flexibility. Found out about AP and knew I found the place for me. And it had nothing to do with the fact my nickname is Monkey. They have a class called Monkey Conditioning where you play like a kid and get a fantastic full body workout while having fun. Instead of dreading going to the gym, I look forward to running, hopping, twisting and crawling on all fours. They can adjust each activity to your personal fitness level so if you are just getting off the couch or you think you are already pretty fit, you will get a workout that will push your limits. They are always thinking of new ways to play so you won't get bored of doing the same routine every time you go. I have been going for a few weeks now and already see the positive results. I like the fact they offer Monkey through out the day because my work schedule changes and I can go early, mid day or evening. I plan on taking the flexibility class when my schedule permits. So if you are looking for something other than your run of the mill gym, give the folks at AP a try. Who would have thunk that getting fit and working hard could be so much fun? read more

I adore the playful environment and aerial instructors like Shaly, Caitlyn, and Kate are just top notch. I make everyone I know try the 1 week intro. Sadly, I always have to have a membership here and at another gym because it doesn't quite give me what I need in the way of serious cardio and strength training.Going full-time seems to cause me to gain weight and lose muscle. If only I could find all-in-one. But, aerial acrobatics as a hobby is addicting and exhilarating. This place hosts a warm and nurturing environment for students to become skilled performers, and puts on really fun events. read more

Place is amazing: a huge and diverse offering of classes, lots of available time in one of their studios for individual training, skilled instructors that offer helpful, specific feedback, showers for getting to your next activity clean, and a fun, friendly community of students and staff. Love it. Will be back every time I'm in the east bay. read more

Love this place! I have been looking for a place to train aerial when I come home for the holidays. Even though it is a bit of a drive for me, it is definitely worth it and parking is easy compared to when I tried to train in san fran. Everyone was very nice and helpful and the atmosphere is pretty awesome. read more

As a triathlete moonlighting from my swim, bike, run routine, I had some trepidation delving into this world I thought to be the hipster/burning man way of exercise. I feared that there might be a clash with my competitive/type A personality with my more than probable type B instructor. No such thing. I've learned new and creative ways to push my body, and in the process learn to be a bit more type B. My favorite class is the handstand class followed closely by monkey conditioning. I also tried the arial class and it was nice to see other guys in a class that I thought traditionally was for women. Because I've had some good experiences, I'm keen to also try parkour, hoops, and yes, even hip hop/breakdancing. Acroyoga was my least favorite class, been there, done that, got the t-shirt, no need to go again. And if you're lucky, you'll get Cindy at the front desk on your first visit, she is super duper helpful and friendly. read more