For the past six years, we have had a tremendous experience at Golden Bears Youth Gymnastics, from recreational classes to regional competitions. My daughter began recreational classes at age 3. They were super-fun and age-appropriate, and she looked forward to every class. The coaches made gymnastics classes fun and engaging. As my daughter grew, it became clear that she was a talented gymnast, and she has moved up through the Golden Bears classes and levels, until she joined their Xcel competitive team at age 8. At each stage of her development, the coaches were on-point, with the appropriate level of guidance and mentoring, always keeping it fun and positive. One of the great things about Golden Bears is it's size -- so many classes to select, which means so many other kids to meet and befriend. Golden Bears also has one of the strongest Xcel competitive teams in Northern California, and now my daughter is advancing through their levels. She really enjoys all the new friends she has made on the competitive team, and she appreciates the coaching and support from the staff. The coaches are so skilled and experienced; they understand how to challenge kids but also how to maintain a supportive, fun environment. My daughter is building self-confidence -- and amazing gymnastics skills. read more

My toddler is thriving in the Bear Cubs 2 (BC2) class. She began the program last year in the BC1 class, the entry level class parents participate with their child in. She enjoyed the freedom to jump, tumble and explore unfamiliar equipment. She was apprehensive initially to some of the new moves and equipment, but Coach Jade was gentle with my daughter and encouraged her to try. Coach Jade helped her with her form and doing each move safely and properly. When I noticed my daughter's reluctance to perform moves she generally enjoyed, protesting when I attempted to assist her to immolate moves Coach Jade showed us earlier. When I informed Coach Jade of my concerns and the intent to remove her from the program until a later date, Coach Jade offered to allow my daughter to stay for the next class - BC2. In the Bear Cubs 2 class, my daughter is independent of mom and solely follows the directive of Coach Jade. My daughter thrives from the encouragement and instruction of her coach, follows most directions as is expected of a 3 year old, and loves the independence. My daughter is one of the younger kids in this class and celebrates being able to immolate her older peers. During each 45 minute class, BC1 and BC2, the kids perform different routines on 3 different structures arranged for them. Each routine develops upon the previous and repeats to allow each child to develop a level of comfort prior to moving on. Coach Jade is supportive, encourages independence and teamwork, meets each child where he/she is independently, ensures the childrens' safety and is responsive to the parent's concerns. If you have ever considered this program I encourage you to enroll your child - boy or girl. If my daughter continues to thrive as she is now, I have every intent on continuing her in the program through the various ranks. read more

My 8 year old daughter simply adores her coach(es) and teammates in her GB3 class, and now that she's part of the Xcel Team, she loves her training even more. It's challenging and fun. Golden Bears offer team programs like Xcel, where aspiring competitive gymnasts are invited to try out for a spot on the team. This takes the love for the sport to the next level (and more level ups to aim for!) She has made a lot of friends who are encouraging, keeps her motivated and in turn, allows her to inspire others in the group. Kudos to the coaches for providing the right environment to train and be her best self. My daughter is always saying at pick up that she wishes her training was all day long and can't wait for the next sesh! read more

Berkeley Youth Gymnastics - Entry - Gymnastics Near Me - Berkeley, California

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The coaches are amazing and really know how to work with and motivate little kids. They are enthusiastic and encouraging. They model bravery and good attitudes. And they set clear rules about paying attention and expect kids to follow them! It's really great to see good teaching. After a week of the summer gymnastics camp, my 4 year old went from being too scared to try even the short slides on the playground to climbing up the rope structures. Her change in perception about what her body could do was like flipping a light switch. Highly, highly, highly recommend. read more

Our daughter is an Xcel gymnast and when we moved to the East Bay, we searched high and low for a gymnastics program she would love. She tried out at a few and Golden Bear rose to the top. The coaches infuse fun with skill-building, pushing the girls and setting new expectations in a really supportive way. While our kid missed being in the gym during the height of the pandemic, she actually improved and learned new skills while being at home. I appreciate the team building activities the coaches do with the girls, like Team Camp, where they get to know each other better, and that reinforces the team spirit. read more

Berkeley Youth Gymnastics - Golden Bears Youth Gymnastics spring showcase (in lieu of competition this season) - Gymnastics Near Me - Berkeley, California

My two daughters have been training at Golden Bears Gymnastics for years! They are now 10 and 12. One is going down the path of JO's and the other Excel. The coaches and staff are like family at this point. Their coaching and training style is thorough and rigorous yet positive and healthy...AND the girls have fun!! They offer so many great programs to prepare your children for competition (and life) and they also offer parent nights out so you can have a Saturday night free. There's an awesome week-long summer camp too, where the kids get to show off their skills. Id highly recommend this program to someone who'd like to do gymnastics for fun or compete. I've got two daughters who love it so. read more

My daughter really appreciates that the coaches treat the XCEL team and JO team as equals. She also really likes that the coaches work with each of the girls and help them to improve their skills. Golden Bears is an excellent gym. Their coaching staff is wonderful and attentive. They focus on building self-confidence and positive image. Highly recommended! 5+ stars. read more

My daughter takes gymnastics classes here and really loves it. We started off with one class a week at a rate of $85 per month, to see if my daughter liked it....she does! Yay! It's been such a good experience that in January she will begin 2x per week. I like that my daughter is learning a lot, she is stretching at home & is always sweaty and tired after class-that's always a good thing in my book. read more

this the best gym in the Bay Area for Xcel Gymnastics Program. this year their athletes were excellent and won so many competitions. Coach Nico is awesome!!! read more

I really wish these classes were better as we were on the waitlist for 9 months and 12 months respectively for my kids and I don't want to get on the waitlist for another gym. They have the kids do the same thing every time without a lot of individual guidance so improving is tough. They also have an insane way of dealing with summer that boots you from your regular class and there is no guarantee you'll get a class at all, let alone the one you were in or any at all at a time that works for you (watch out working parents). Since they have a 200 person waitlist, they really don't care about helping you or your kiddo thrive. I'm staying until my kids can finally do a cartwheel or handstand and then we're out (I feel like if instructors were better they would have learned already). read more

My (now) 13-year-old daughter has been with Golden Bears since she was 7 and wishes she had started earlier! The coaches and teammates at the gym have truly become her second family. She has progressed through level upon level, gaining new skills and incredible strength (mind and body) along the way. We've been so impressed with the coaches, especially how they are able to create such a safe environment for the kids while still challenging them to be their best. It's been a great experience for my daughter - one that has allowed her to thrive outside of the pressures of school while still allowing for fun and friendship. We can't recommend the program enough! read more

My daughter, who's been there for the past 6 years, loves GBGC! The Coaches are awesome and after so long they became sort of family! :-) The staff is extremely professional: they push the gymnasts to do their best while putting their safety first! They always keep the parents in the loop and constantly give feedback on the gymnasts' progress. During the pandemic, online classes have been a lifesaver and sometimes the only source of physical exercise; the staff has always been there cheering the kids up and trying to bring fun and positivity during this awful year. The teams have been able to go back on campus where they can train, strictly following the safety protocol, in the renewed facilities. I love GBGC too since, thanks to the encouragement and the dedication of the Coaches, I can tell that my daughter improved very much not only in her athletic skills but was also able to boost her confidence and grow as a team player! Go GBGC and, obviously, GO BEARS! read more

We couldn't be happier with Golden Bears Youth gymnastics. My daughter started with their GB1 level class at 6 years old and hasn't stopped since! Now, she is 10 years old and beginning her second year on the Xcel competition team. We like the reasonable time commitment required to participate and progress with this gym. We like the attitude and communication style of the coaches. Discipline and hard work is balanced with fun, camaraderie and celebration of achievement. read more

Golden Bear gives kids a change to challenge themselves to be powerful and strong. Best benefits so far for our kid: confidence, pride, and joy. Golden Bear has been our kid's rock this past year: she has participated in team activities remotely and has benefited immensely! Golden Bear's leadership and coaches have reached new heights of creativity as they have developed online programming about nutrition, flexibility, and mental health in addition to workouts, skill development, and team games suitable for gymnastics at home. Being part of a team has stretched and encouraged our kid, and her coaches have been supportive, understanding, nuturing, encouraging, and fun. It's been our experience that Golden Bear is a great place for an active, athletic girl to gain confidence in herself, to learn poise under pressure, to be proud of her body and abilities, and to build friendships with girls from different backgrounds. We can't wait to return to real life gymnastics for the challenging workouts, in-person dance choreography, time with friends and coaches, and thrilling competitions. We're eager to see the renovations to the building, too. read more

Our daughter has been going to GB for 5 years now and she absolutely loves it. The coaches are truly invested in the kids and want them to succeed. We have done everything from the rec league to competition team to summer camp and have never had a bad experience. I know that our daughter is more confident, happier, and well rounded from her time at Golden Bears. read more

My daughter was at another Bay Area gym and switched to Golden Bears last year. Ive been so impressed with the facilities, the coaching and the spirit of the gym. I am always able to reach the coaches by text and phone- they are super communicative and my daughter is thriving at the gym. I love that it is on college campus and she is exposed to upper level gymnasts. read more

Our two girls have been at GB Gym for 6 years and continue to love it. They started in the rec classes and are now enjoying Xcel. During COVID early on, it was the savior for their activity levels and the only source of "normal" they had. The coaches did a great job of Zoom classes that really conditioned them. My favorite part was how they kept my girls honest with expectations of camera angles for a full view of movement. The real proof of our commitment to this gym and its coaches -- we moved to Contra Costa County last year and after trying another closer gym, we came back despite the farther drive. Great program, caring coaches, and communicative staff. read more

The coaches and program here is terrific! My daughter has been training with them for 8 years and has grown in skills and confidence with the encouragement and support of her fabulous coaches. Through the pandemic, gymnastics training has been a lifeline for her. She's made great friends in the program and I love the supportive environment. read more

Great atmosphere for gymnastics. Golden bears style. The staff is always very friendly and helpful and it is a great learning experience and way to get into gymnastics. Parents can watch from the sidelines. The kids have a great time and make friends while tumbling around for an hour. read more

Our daughter has been at golden bear gymnastics Competitive team for the last 6 years. She started in the recreational classes and then moved to team. She absolutely loves it! Her coaches Liz and Nico are extremely committed for the overall well-being and safety of the gymnasts while still challenging them to do their best! Through COVID times, they've kept the girls engaged and fit thru zoom practices. The facility is fantastic, with a pool on premises and hiking trails nearby so parents can get in a workout too! Highly recommend! read more

This review is for the girls competitive team program. We have been very happy with the program in terms of how they progress athletes in their skill level. But more importantly, with how the coaches place importance on the general health and team aspects of sport. The girls on the team have bonded so tightly and they are truly experiencing all the positive aspects of being a part of a team. And, the coaches help them to learn about and focus on all the life skills that will support their gymnastics - healthy eating, adequate rest, conditioning, pre-hab, and mindfulness. Despite being highly constrained by the university, the leadership team at the gym did such a good job of safely navigating through COVID. read more

Golden Bear Youth Gymnastics has been an excellent club for my daughter. She joined the recreation classes in 2nd grade. She then joined the competitive Xcel program in 4th grade. She's still in the program 3 years later and loves it! We like the coaches, the leadership, the balance between training and fun, and the competitive opportunities. Each stage was the right fit for my daughter's skill and interest. We love it. read more

We have kids in both the recreational and competitive programs. The gym is always buzzing with energy on a Saturday morning when we take our youngest daughter to recreational classes, and while there's no pressure on her to be the next Simone Biles, we can see her improving and getting more focused on the class itself. We have tried blended "circus arts" type classes at other locations, but in terms of burning off some kid energy on a Saturday morning, it's hard to beat a structured gymnastics class. The competitive track can be demanding on parents, but the Golden Bear program always feels inclusive, the kids are evidently enjoying themselves, the coaches bring out the best in the kids, and the parents manage to make the carpools work. The proximity to collegiate events at Haas Pavilion is pretty inspiring for the kids, as they can see some of the top rated gymnasts, both on the Cal Women's team and with visiting Pac12 opponents like UCLA. The fact that the kids are also "Golden Bears" gives them something extra to root for and aspire to. It works out well for us that our more competitive gymnast has an outlet for her love of gymnastics, at a level that's both challenging and rewarding, while her more recreationally-inclined sister can take things at her own pace, both at the same gym. read more

My family has been associated with Golden Bear Youth Gymnastics for more than 10 years. My oldest daughter is about to graduate from high school, and she will miss Golden Bear being part of her life. Thankfully, my youngest daughter still has 4 more seasons she can compete in the XCEL program. It has been a great experience for both of my kids, and I've enjoyed watching them grow and mature through their involvement. read more

My daughter has been going to Golden Bear for a few years now and has really enjoyed it. The coaches have been great. Sometimes they switch around a bit in the recreational classes, but we've been to other gyms in the area and it's no more than we experienced at those gyms. I really appreciated how supportive and encouraging her coaches have been -- they seem to "get" her and are able to help her grow and gain a lot of confidence (and, of course, some pretty awesome gymnastics skills!). As others have explained, there are recreational classes (ie. classes you sign up for on a monthly basis) and there are competitive teams. My daughter took classes here on and off for several years before really committing to gymnastics and trying out for the team. Now she's on the XCEL team (the less intense competitive track), which is a great fit for her and our family (great coaches, plenty of time in the gym, but time to be a kid, too). read more

My daughters have been here since they were 5 and 7 respectively, and they love it. As a competitive team, while necessarily challenging, it feels like a family and her teammates are amongst her best friends. At competitions, there is a great team spirit and the coaches are very supportive: even providing little notes and tokens of encouragement. You really get the feeling that the coaches care and my daughter never feels that she is being unduly pressured. The program progresses gymnasts based on emotional maturity as well as physical ability. This is important because the team needs to work together in a supportive way and teams are formed based in part on which gymnasts work well together. read more

We love Golden Bear Gymnastics! Our daughter has been in a wide range of classes and teams at Golden Bear for about 7 years, from recreational classes to both competitive tracks (JO and Xcel). We've also had her birthday party at the gym! The one thing that has been consistent throughout is the fabulous coaching. The coaches truly care so much about each gymnast and they balance safety and fun so beautifully. Through the years she's learned so much about how to challenge herself to achieve new skills and also how to cope with disappointing or frustrating moments with grace. They cultivate an amazing bond between the gymnasts as well. She's found life-long friends and has gained so much self confidence through gymnastics at Golden Bear! read more

I'm updating a review I posted 3 years ago. My daughter is 14 now and these are the crazy middle school years. Gymnastics has helped to keep her grounded, disciplined and focused. She had made good friends in gymnastics. The workouts keep her off her devices and out of trouble. During the pandemic the gym did everything they could within safety parameters. Initially they held zoom workouts and have now progressed to in person, masked, with limited persons in the gym. As the state opens up, I know I can count on Goodwin Bear to proceed with safety first and keep us parents constantly informed. read more

So, I really wanted this to be a better experience. The best part of my experience here is that now I am more clear about what I prefer in terms of classes and teaching methods for my 2 year old son. First, he is not a follower. He loves to move and tumble and climb and I've been encouraging that in him. I also want him to have more group experiences. We moved to the bay area from New Mexico and had our son a year into our new life here. So I signed him up for a tumbling class at UC Berkeley Rec because we are so close geographically. The first class was just him and another little girl who wasn't in a space to engage in the class that day. The next week it was just him, me and the instructor. So much for the group experience. I found myself frustrated with the lack of an actual group. So I asked for help and they offered alternatives for us. We chose a class that met at 11:30 on Tuesday. I don't know if this class has already had a lot of experience together, but it seemed like it. They were doing routines (at least 4 different sequences) and all of them seemed to follow along. Impressive, but oddly uncomfortable for me as my son is off in his own world and missing the entire class. No one engaged him outside of 'the routine' except me, of course. I found myself trying to herd him back with the group the whole time, which is fruitless and exhausting, not to mention neglecting to honor his creativity and individuality. I also heard the teacher comment "good job" on the performance of some children, but not others. Yuck. As a teacher, it is up to you to find the good in every child's "job" to encourage them as people first, not as performers. He also ended up under the trampoline and I had to physically remove him as it was NOT CLEAN under there at all. He was covered in chalk and stank like old dirt when I got him out. After a painful and embarrassing fall with my son in my arms, and no one available to help us (we were the difficult ones in the class and I felt largely ignored), I left with a bloody, chalky taste in my mouth. I doubt I will return and I have one more class... So, if you value performance and athleticism in your toddler, this may be the place for you. However, if you are more interested in your child's sense of self, confidence in their bodies' abilities, and relationships with other children, you might want to look elsewhere. We're going to try Ruby's Tumbling next. Who knows, maybe I have no idea what I'm talking about and this is what Gymnastics class is. Just offering my experience and feedback to Cal's program. Sorry Cal, I want to love you. I really do. But, I cannot understand the obsession with performance?! Can't we all just be loved for who we are and not what we can do? ~unimpressed :( read more

My daughter has been involved with GBGC for several years now. She started out in their rec program in 2nd grade, and moved into Xcel Bronze and now Xcel Silver. Her skills and confidence expanded every step of the way, and this is due to the excellent coaching and their competitive program. The coaches remained incredibly positive throughout virtual training during COVID, and now they are in-person with safety protocols in place. I would highly recommend this program to any aspiring gymnast! read more

Golden Bear Gym has been such an invaluable resource for my daughter. The coaches are fantastic and the team/community has been a bright light for us during shelter in place. I highly recommend this gym both during and after covid! They've done a great job navigating safety while allowing for team connection. read more

Our daughter has been with GBGC since Kindergarten, now she's on the team and finishing 3rd grade. She was passionate about gymnastics from the minute she stared there with classes. The recent change in management has been great, particularly during these more trying COVID times. The coaches and leadership are communicative with students and families, encouraging, like to have fun, and policy changes make sense (levels based on skill, not just age alone, which was a huge and welcome change). They are incredibly committed to the program. Our daughter is working with Coach Hannah and she is a dream - high expectations and focused on success but also very tuned in to what makes the kids happy. This team has been a primary bright spot throughout this year! read more

My daughter has been apart of the Golden Bears Team gymnastics for about 2 years now and she LOVES it. The coaches are awesome! They know how to keep their students engaged. I was amazed by how they were able to help maintain the strength and flexibility of their gymnast by their creative Zoom classes. I would recommend Golden Bears Youth Gymnastics. They have great coaches that teach leadership and camaraderie. read more

Our daughter truly loves Golden Bear and what an incredible outlet and lifeline it has been for her this past year during the pandemic. She has been on the competitive team for three years and it has been amazing watching not only her skills progress since she joined, but also her form, technique, and confidence. We chose GBGC because of the program and quality of coaching and could not be happier with our decision. Our daughter takes such pride in being part of this team and it is an absolute joy watching her grow with them. read more

My daughter has been part of GBGC for over 5 years. The coaching staff is really friendly and close with the kids. They provide great support and create a very close community among the team. Even with remote practices, the kids development didn't slow down. They transitioned smoothly to the online format. The program is competitive which helped my daughter progress at a fast rate. Overall I would definitely recommend GBGC as it is by far the best program my daughter has been a part of. read more

Our daughter has been with Golden Bear for the past five years - she loves this gym. After every practice, she's always so positive and talks the entire way home about what she and the team are working on. The Xcel program has continued to impress us with their commitment to the gymnasts' success while maintaining a safe, supportive, and judgement-free atmosphere. The coaches are both professional and fun and, during the shutdown, somehow managed to adapt with creative online classes that kept the gymnasts engaged and off the couch :-). The benefits from being a part of the Golden Bears have been endless. read more

Our two daughters, ages 8 and 10, have participated in both the Cal recreational and competitive youth gymnastics team programs since they were 3 years old, and we can't say enough about the fully equipped gym, the warm and supportive coaches, and the structured and fun gymnastics program. All of the coaches are very experienced, and many are former competitive gymnasts. Our girls are always eager to get to the gym. Your kids, no matter what age, will have at great experience at Golden Bears Youth Gymnastics. read more

My daughter's been a member of the competitive team for a couple of years at golden bears. She loves her coaches and time at the gym. Overall, she's had a really positive experience. Gymnastics develops so many important character traits like determination, courage, grace and the value of sportsmanship. This program has been great for her and her confidence. Golden Bears keeps her healthy, happy and exercised. read more

This is a review for both the regular "Golden Bear Gymnastic Club" and the coed "Golden Bears Youth Gymnastics - Learn & Play Program". Golden Bear Gymnastics has been an amazing program for my daughter. It isn't just a program, it's a way of life for her, and a wonderful community for our family. The gymnastic program during Covid-19 has been exceptional. The pandemic initially caused the gymnastic program to shift to online classes and online team training; the online classes gave a sense of rhyme to my daughter's week when we were in total lockdown. In the past year, the gymnastic program grew to include an essential worker support program for the UC-Berkeley Community, and the Golden Bear Gymnastic Team community. It grew more to allow parents to get special training to support the gymnasts, and provided volunteer parents access to regular Covid-19 testing during the unrelenting surges. These development made it possible to resume safe on-site gymnastic training during the midst of the pandemic. My daughter's coaches became a beam of light for her during a challenging year. It isn't just after-school programing, it is a place where our children have developed strong bonding friendships, built team and leadership skills, and learned how to recreate new support communities for themselves. In addition, it is an amazing, top-rate training program for girls, in which girls feel empowered. They are never shamed, or dismissed. They are embraced and supported by an exceptional staff. read more

Our daughter went to classes here from age 5-7. We stopped going as the class teachers kept changing and we did't ever get feedback on how she was doing. It's nearly impossible to park on a Saturday- and it's a really busy and crowded place. If you're looking for community, getting to know teachers, coaches, or some kind of idea of what the kids are working toward, this is not your place. read more