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Athletic Playground
Category: Active Life Fitness & Instruction Gyms Gyms [Edit]
4770 San Pablo AveSte E
(between 47th St & 48th St)
Emeryville, CA 94608
(510) 355-1626
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
About This Business:
Why is Koi Fitness "the better boot camp?" Register for your one-week trial bootcamp class today and discover why our program is the best in the Bay… read more »
54 reviews for Athletic Playground
54 reviews in English
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Review from Marko K.
11/28/2011 1 Check-in Here
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. -
Review from Stephanie P.
Oakland, CA
2/25/2012
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 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 classes.
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. (These people haven't figured out that Burning Man peaked a decade ago and have even closed the gym during the week of the burn.)
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 variation in particular need to be noted for anyone thinking of joining. I also think they've hit their stride and found their people; I just seem to not be one of them. -
Review from Alice P.
Los Angeles, CA
1/8/2012
I tried my very first aerial silk class here about a year ago after a friend recommended it to me. If I thought I was strong, boy did this class prove me wrong. I've been a dancer my entire life and I'm stronger than most guys I know (granted like me, most of them work in the computer industry and/or are engineers, so take that to mean what you want). Although I didn't give it another try for months, I am now hooked and try to practice aerial silks at least once a week. What I love about aerial silk is that you can see yourself progressing very quickly each time you try it. Climbing up to the top seemed extremely exhausting my very first class, and now I do a number of different climbs to warm up.
I've taken a couple classes here on a drop-in basis, but when it comes to instruction in the SF bay area I prefer Kinetic Arts Center in Oakland, where the higher price is absolutely worth it to me due to the significantly smaller class size (3-4 at KAC vs 15-20 at AP).
++ The open gym sessions for $5 are a great cost-efficient way to work on your moves on your own in between classes.
+ The people you meet are really cool and always willing to offer tips and share tricks.
+ There are plenty of silks/fabrics, ropes, hoops, trapezes available so you don't really have to wait very long to get your turn, even in a large class.
+ The intro offer's a really great deal. The drop-in prices are also very reasonable.
+ They've offered free classes for Dance Week or other promos in the past, though I haven't been able to try free classes to determine whether they are any different.
+ The parking lot, although small, is convenient.
- The classes at Athletic Playground are big, so you don't get as much attention with the instructor. It seemed to be more of a work-on-your-own-after-the-instructor-showed-a-few -things-you-can-work-on-with-each-apparatus format where I don't feel like I progress as much as at other places. -
Review from Alyssa B.
Berkeley, CA
5/10/2012 Purchased a Yelp Deal
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.
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Review from Jenn C.
1/6/2012
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.
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Review from Krista S.
5/16/2011 1 Check-in Here
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! -
Review from Laurence W.
Oakland, CA
1/24/2011 1 Check-in Here
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. -
Review from Tom O.
Sacramento, CA
5/16/2011 1 Check-in Here
Took the parkour class here. It was actually a huge amount of fun. I went in kinda skeptical, like ok guy lets see what this about, kinda expecting some underground type to start preaching about the parkour lifestyle.
These impressions were wiped away about 5 mins in the class. We started doing some warm ups that were actually pretty good work outs. Then we started the vaulting, which brought a smile into my face about 2 mins in. IT was a blast! I got to be a little kid again! Leaping over big gym blocks and just being kinda free to see what I could push my self to do was awesome. The instructor was very helpful and supportive. He frequently stopped to solicit questions about the technique and offered advice when ever asked. Very solid experience.
It was not only a fairly decent work out, but mentally I think it was refreshing because I found that half the exercise we did involved YOU mentally pushing YOURSELF in to committing to trying to be superman flying over the block, and that something you rarely get to do as an adult. I mean seriously, when was the last time you were tried to see how for or high you could jump over something? 5 years ago? 10? This class let you do do that and it is a great change from the relative monotony of the gym. -
Review from Adam A.
Emeryville, CA
12/30/2010
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.Comment from Shira Y. of Athletic Playground 12/31/2010
Hello Adam, Thank you for sharing your experience. We are… More » -
Review from Rabbit H.
Oakland, CA
1/18/2011
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. Instructors are top-notch, and represent the most skilled bunch of aerialists in either Oakland or San Francisco; hands down. You won't find people this good at the SF Circus Center, that's for sure.
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. -
Review from Sussu L.
Emeryville, CA
1/17/2011
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. -
Review from Andrea B.
11/22/2010
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!!!! -
Review from Walker J.
Oakland, CA
3/9/2011
This place is great. I took a yoga class with Avram and I got a lot out of it. I've never found such a small, intimate class for such a deal. Don't worry, the small size doesn't mean that it'll be intimidating. He's very encouraging but low pressure. Extra bonus: you can watch the parkour
class from above before hand. -
Review from Jennifer C.
Newark, CA
10/24/2010 1 Check-in Here
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?Listed in: Burn baby burn!
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Review from Avram P.
Oakland, CA
Updated - 11/20/2010
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.1 Previous Review: Show all »
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1/11/2009
The Athletic Playground is a fun, friendly, playful spot. I often feel like a kid again when playing… Read more »
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Review from Talia S.
San Francisco, CA
3/15/2011
AP is my favorite place to play! The moment I first walked in, I knew I had found what I had been missing. People are always hanging in the air or jumping off the walls. The teachers are inspiring and talented and will work you hard. Everyone is friendly and tries to be accommodating. Yes, there is a 10 minute late policy... it t is there to prevent those who miss warm-ups from getting hurt and, in my opinion, out of respect for the teacher. If you can't make it on-time, there will probably be another class starting in the next 30 minutes anyway that you can try.
Can't wait to see what you guys think up next! -
Review from Jen T.
Alameda, CA
11/12/2011
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.
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Review from Crystal D.
Oakland, CA
10/4/2010
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. -
Review from Kathleen A.
Los Angeles, CA
6/28/2011
I am in total agreement with the reviews that take issue with staff attitudes, thus the two stars. I am certain the teachers are competent at their crafts, but my encounters with Athletic Playground have sent me back to Trapeze Arts. The Trapeze Arts instructors - unlike those I observed at Athletic Playground - don't play favorites with their students, allowing less athletic people to feel that they are equally welcome. As a person with previous gymnastics experience, it is true that I was given additional skills to try at Trapeze Arts, but other students weren't then given less attention or less encouragement, and I don't think that's the case at Athletic Playground. If you're determined to try it out, do so during National Dance Week when you can take classes for free (knowing, of course, that they're trying hard to sell you), but otherwise, Athletic Playground is a pass.
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Review from Lum P.
Emeryville, CA
3/5/2010
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.Comment from Shira Y. of Athletic Playground 7/2/2010
Athletic PlayGround will be expanding in August 2010 and… More » -
Review from Aloe L.
San Jose, CA
7/1/2010
After hearing bunch of friends (mainly my ninja friend who takes Parkour) taking about this place I'm glad I went and find this sportive wonderland!
Great place to try new styles of creative working out (playing out sounds better...)
I love to try new things so I went for the Acrobalance last week and was impressed by the 2 instructors that constantly took care of the safety of the group (there was 8 of us) who made it challenging and fun!
It's so refreshing to find a place that in NOT more of the same!
********Highly recommend! -
Review from Stuart J.
Emeryville, CA
2/17/2009
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 -
Review from Madelyn R.
Long Beach, CA
2/1/2010
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 :) -
Review from Anya A.
Berkeley, CA
Updated - 3/29/2011
I've been to 5 or so classes at AP so far. All of them were very good, though read on for some constructive criticism for one of them. I love their handstand classes, and enjoyed the Monkey Conditioning (which was part tumbling, part strength, part flexibility excercises). Shira, Dave and Mark are my favorite teachers, so far.
That said, I wouldn't have gone to one of the classes, the "Acrobatics" which is described as: "You will have fun learning acrobatic skills even if you have never tumbled before! Our acrobatics class focuses on fundamental skills including handstands, rolls, cartwheels, back handsprings, and other cool tricks."
The class I've attended focused on the front flip, which I haven't thought of something that a person who's "never tumbled before" could achieve without going through a series of classes focusing on the basics first.
I would suggest to have different levels of the "Acrobatics" class, so that novices like me could come learn the basics in level 1, and more advanced tricks could be taught in higher levels.
Granted, almost everyone in the class was able to do the front flip, but I strongly suspect they were all fairly experienced tumblers. I was on the sidelines trying much simpler things leading up to the front flip, and the teacher tried to be as accommodating as he could be by helping me find a spot to work on them and coming over once in a while to check on me and give me tips. Still, it was a hugely unsatisfying experience as I haven't really learned anything new and didn't even get a decent work out, and the little space where I was trying to practice was often occupied by others as they were transitioning between their activities.
I understand that the Acrobatics class may be more beginner-friendly if taught by other instructors. I will try it with Shira and maybe Dave or Mark - I took other classes from them, and they were able to manage the class with people of different abilities and experience.1 Previous Review: Show all »
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1/17/2011
Went to a free trial class. It was Handstands level 1, on Sunday, with Shira. I've been practicing… Read more »
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Review from shamis f.
Berkeley, CA
1/9/2011
This is my first negative review ever.
I am very upset about my experience at Athletic playground. It seems that most other people have been spared the rudeness, or are too nice to nick-off stars.
The classes are original and the couple I've taken have had good instructors and helpful group-mates, which makes the setting inviting to return.
But.... My last day here was very embarrassing, and disappointing. After all these people are there teaching yoga and capoeira, but their front door employee's attitude goes against the philosophy of these activities completely.
Here is the story:
I signed up for one of their Capoeira classes online the day before, which means that I am paying ahead of time to guarantee a spot in the class. I show up to the class 12 minutes late because the parking was completely full and we had to park 2 blocks away. When we walk in there is a sign above the register saying that if you're more than 10 minutes late you won't be allowed in, and the girl at the register repeats this line to me. I ask her if the class is full, or if they've turned people away. She says no. I tell her that I have signed up for the class and that I would like to go in since I am already warmed up coming from the gym. She says that I cannot use the class anymore, and that their policy is strict and that they have to enforce it. She says all this, without trying to work anything out for us. She gave a very insincere apology and started telling us how great the classes are.
I don't understand how she thinks its ok to not let me into a class I've rsvp'd and paid for and not reimburse my money or let me take the next class? This wasn't the case that they lost money because they turned people away because I had rsvp'd. She also had no respect for the fact that people spend time driving to the class and saying a sorry won't do.
I felt really violated, I would have returned the package I have bought right there, only that they won't reimburse me for it. I will definitely not buy another class here.
It makes me upset that people exploit others because they have a monopoly for this kind of sport in the area.
I'm not happy at all.Comment from Shira Y. of Athletic Playground 1/13/2011
Hi Shamis, Thank you for your feedback. We understand you… More » -
Review from Makinde P.
Oakland, CA
11/27/2008
This is a wonderful place to get your body moving! It has all sorts of things for people to jump on, jump over, climb, push, roll, balance on, ride... and more! It's so much fun just going to play on all the things they have, but the classes are really cool as well! They have classes ranging from Parkour to juggling, and everything in between!
It's the place to be if you have a body and you like to use it! New classes are being added all the time as well, the variety is amazing! -
Review from Audrey T.
San Jose, CA
10/2/2010
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! -
Review from Danyel R.
Emeryville, CA
3/30/2010
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. -
Review from Traci S.
Walnut Creek, CA
8/25/2011 Purchased a Yelp Deal
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!
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Review from Alexis D.
Oakland, CA
7/8/2011
Love this place! I like that the parking is easy to deal with and the range of classes offered. I started at the Circus Center in SF but, not going into aerial professionally, needed something a little more relaxed. I enjoyed the aerial conditioning as well as the classes and worked at my ability level. The parkour classes were WAY too tough for me, but it was a great time laughing as I slammed into the objects I should have jumped over!
My favorite class is the monkey conditioning! I don't feel stupid and the activities are scaffolded to my level!
The other thing I love is the fact that classes are offered during the work day. I'm on summer break and don't love waking up at 7 or waiting until 5!
My only complaint is, since I don't have the time to commit to longer membership, the drop in rate of $18 is kind of high. Since I don't go too often, I make it work! It's worth it for me! -
Review from Krisanne C.
Oakland, CA
4/12/2011
I came to one of the evening Monkey Conditioning classes in October as part of the Groupon deal. I had a lot of fun and figured I would drop in from time to time as my schedule allowed (though I strongly prefer morning workouts, I will occasionally do evenings). Then I promptly got a serious injury that I spent 4 months rehabbing.
But, when the January monthly membership deal came along I decided to go ahead and join as incentive to get back into fully functional shape after my injury. I hadn't made it in yet (excuses, excuses) then they added early morning Monkey Conditioning classes! Hurrah! I've been to four morning classes in April so far and am having a blast.
I'm definitely not as in-shape or flexible as most of the attendees (and I'm betting that at 40 I'm older than average, too), but it's the kind of class where the instructors help to challenge you but also tailor it to your current level/capabilities/injuries. I've felt very welcomed so far and am looking forward to continuing to attend these totally fun classes.
(Just don't cancel them - that would break my heart! But since attendance has been pretty good so far, hopefully that's not a risk). -
Review from Peter A.
Oakland, CA
10/30/2010
I've been taking classes here for a little over a year, and have been a member for nearly a year. The space, equipment, classes, and instructors are really great. The staff and policies however are another story.
I recently got burned: I arrived for a class 10 minutes and thirty seconds late. They have a policy where if you are more than 10 minutes late, you can not attend the class. For a member of the gym, who has been taking the class for over a year and never been late before, they were unwilling to make an exception. Really, 30 seconds past the cutoff and I am barred? Pretty disappointing.
It's hard, I really like this place, but they definitely were not accommodating. I feel that if I'm paying a relatively expensive monthly fee as a member, surely they can spot me the 30 seconds. I guess not.Comment from Shira Y. of Athletic Playground 12/31/2010
Hi Peter, thank you for your feedback, I understand why the… More » -
Review from Peg S.
9/13/2010
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!
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Review from Evangelos C.
Berkeley, CA
5/2/2011
I've been going to AP several times a week for the last two and a half months, and it's been a really good experience. I highly recommend this to anyone who wants to play and have fun - and incidentally get in excellent shape and learn awesome skills.
I have pretty high standards for athletic instruction; I've done a lot of different sports, a couple of them competitively, and I can recognize a good coach when I see one. I'm happy to say that all the instructors at the AP are pretty damn good. They're invariably friendly, knowledgeable, and take good care of their students, while maintaining a fun and relaxed learning atmosphere that welcomes even complete beginners. It's also worth noting that the premises are clean and pretty, and all the equipment is in good shape.
I've mostly been taking their Monkey Conditioning class which is actually really, really well thought out. It's fun and playful first and foremost, but it's also a great circuit training routine that works your entire body, building both endurance and strength. The exercises are different from class to class, keeping things interesting and surprising, and each exercise can be performed in different ways to accommodate and challenge both the first-timers and the more advanced.
So, do Monkey if you want to get in shape - in only a couple of months I've lost something like 20 pounds, and gained a good deal of strength. Other classes are more focused on specific skills; I've started taking handstands and aerials classes and discovered that it's actually quite fun to be upside down. I do have some reservations about the parkour class: even the level 1 class is high-impact and physically demanding, which can lead to injuries for someone who is not in good shape (like me). It's a fun class, but be extra careful.
So - what are you sitting around for? Come and play! -
Review from Keri B.
El Cerrito, CA
9/23/2010
OK- my fiance keeps calling this place the Adult Playground- which makes it sound like a totally different type of place altogether. I'm loving the aerial conditioning classes (and actually get a little better each time.) The first week laughing hurt until the following Wednesday- last week I added hula hooping -so so so much fun!!! My favorite part so far has been climbing fabric and learning to pull myself up on the trapeze. Indulge that 6 year old girl who ate popcorn and looked up in wonder at the circus!
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Review from Dani P.
Castro Valley, CA
1/19/2011 Purchased a Yelp Deal
I love what I've seen so far! My son wants to do Parkour but has been learning through YouTube which I'm really uncomfortable with. I saw that Athletic Playground offers Parkour classes, so when the Yelp deal came out the next day I was really excited. It's a haul from home to Emeryville (adding a sixth day to my commute since I work here too), but it was well worth it. The instructor (Andrey?) was very patient and guided his students through the course movement by movement until at the very end they took a couple runs through the entire course.
One of the instructors plunked down beside me on the couch and we chatted for a bit. A girl came rushing in about ten minutes after the class started and as others have said, she was not allowed to join. The instructor sitting beside me said that it is a very hard policy to enforce, especially with regulars (which this girl was one of), but if they make exceptions for some, it's unfair to others. Wow! They're losing popularity points because of this policy, but being able to speak from the teaching side I can attest to the fact that 1. injuries happen much more frequently when someone is not properly warmed up, 2. it's distracting to have someone suddenly try to jump in once an activity has been started and 3. how unfair is it to the people who have paid good money and arrived on time to lose part of their instructional time while the instructor catches a new arrival up to speed? I applaud this policy and will definitely make every effort to always arrive on time! They also said that if you are too late that you can reschedule, so you're not out the money you shelled out.
I can't wait until I fully recover from my elbow surgery so I can play too. Some of the classes sound REALLY fun and my son did admit that it might be "kinda cool" to tell his friends that his mom does Parkour too. -
Review from chris m.
Seminole, OK
7/27/2009
Love this place, been several times, tons of super awesome classes, which is just crazy fun stuff.
Classes are usually intense, and varied, and full of great people. -
Review from K T.
Oakland, CA
11/30/2011
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.
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Review from Mimi Z.
Berkeley, CA
10/25/2010
i cant believe i havent reviewed this place yet
so i found a living social deal a few months ago so i decided to check this place out
after my first aerial conditioning class, i was hooked and bought a membership.
OHHH my goodness do i love this place
it really is a playground. the instructors are nice and fun and the classmates are fun too
my favorite classes are aerial conditioning with Cat and monkey conditioning with Shira
i tried the parkour classes a few times too, but not really my thing. though Andrey is super fun and great instructor
there is also open gym for $5, you can just climb around and do your own thing in the giant open space. really good deal, cause where else are you going to be able to climb silks like a cirque du solei acrobat? no where, thats where
im so addicted, ive already gotten my coworkers and friends to join
first class free
come here
you wont regret it -
Review from Teresa L.
Los Angeles, CA
11/27/2011
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.
