Athletic Playground

Introduction / Overview

Located in the heart of Emeryville, California, Athletic Playground stands out as a truly unique and refreshing alternative to traditional gyms. More than just a fitness center, it's a vibrant, dynamic indoor space explicitly designed to inspire physical play and communal sports. Since its founding in 2008, Athletic Playground has cultivated an environment dedicated to movement exploration, offering a wide variety of classes in disciplines often associated with circus arts, gymnastics, and urban movement, such as aerials, parkour, and acrobatics. It is a place where "grown-up recess" is a real thing, and where individuals are encouraged to "re-learn how to move on all fours and clamber over obstacles," rediscovering their inner child and innate athleticism.

What truly sets Athletic Playground apart is its deeply ingrained community spirit. It's a space where people "never have felt so embraced in a studio or a group," and where the atmosphere is consistently described as "warm and welcoming no matter your skill/experience level." This non-competitive ethos ensures that everyone, from complete beginners with no prior experience to seasoned movers, feels comfortable and supported in their journey. With a team of "experienced and friendly teachers" who are passionate about sharing their expertise, Athletic Playground offers a rare blend of professional instruction and playful exploration, making movement accessible and joyful for individuals and families across the California Bay Area.

Location and Accessibility

Athletic Playground is conveniently situated at 4770 San Pablo Ave, Emeryville, CA 94608, USA. This location places it on a major thoroughfare in Emeryville, a city strategically nestled between Berkeley and Oakland in the East Bay. Its position on San Pablo Avenue makes it easily accessible by car from various surrounding communities, including Oakland, Berkeley, Piedmont, and even further afield in the wider San Francisco Bay Area.

For those traveling by car, Athletic Playground offers the significant advantage of available parking, which is often manageable for visitors attending classes. This is a considerable benefit in the often densely populated Bay Area. Furthermore, San Pablo Avenue is well-served by AC Transit bus lines, providing excellent public transportation options for students and families. The proximity to major freeways also facilitates straightforward commutes for those coming from a distance. The gym's hours, typically from 9:00 AM to 10:30 PM on weekdays and 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM on weekends, offer flexibility for individuals with varying schedules. This combination of easily reachable location and convenient transportation options contributes significantly to Athletic Playground's suitability as a local fitness and movement hub for Californians.

Services Offered

• Aerial Arts Classes: Comprehensive instruction in various aerial disciplines, including aerial silks (fabric) and aerial hoop (lyra), for all levels from beginner to advanced, focusing on foundational skills, climbs, sequences, and advanced tricks.
• Parkour and Acrobatics Classes: Programs for both youth (ages 5-8, 9-14, 12-18) and adults, teaching skills like jumping, flipping, rolling, vaulting, handstands, cartwheels, and handsprings, using equipment like air tracks and pit mats.
• Handstands & Inversion Training: Dedicated classes focusing on proper body alignment, various inversion techniques, overcoming fear of inverting, and building strength for consistent handstands.
• Hula Hooping: Classes for all ages, offering a fun and engaging way to improve fitness and coordination.
• Contact Improvisation: Classes exploring fluid, efficient movement and connection with partners, incorporating elements from soft acrobatics and floor work.
• Youth Circus Programs: Specialized classes for children and teens in circus arts, fostering creativity, coordination, and strength.
• Open Gym Sessions: Opportunities for members (and non-members for a small fee) to practice skills independently using the studio's equipment, including ropes, fabrics, and static trapezes.
• Workshops and Camps: Offers a variety of specialized workshops and summer camps for different ages and disciplines, providing intensive learning experiences.
• Community Events: Hosts and facilitates community events, promoting a sense of belonging and shared play.
• Private Lessons: Available for personalized instruction and accelerated learning in specific skills.
• Online Classes: Provides virtual classes in various disciplines for those who prefer to train from home.

Features / Highlights

• Unique Movement Focus: Distinctly moves beyond traditional gym offerings, specializing in playful, functional movement disciplines like aerials, parkour, and acrobatics, making fitness engaging and exciting.
• Inclusive and Welcoming Community: Consistently praised for its "warm and welcoming" environment, where students "never have felt so embraced" regardless of their skill or experience level.
• Non-Competitive Atmosphere: A core philosophy emphasizes fun and personal growth over competition, encouraging everyone to do their best and celebrating individual achievements.
• Experienced and Friendly Teachers: Boasts a team of "experienced and friendly teachers" who are not only skilled practitioners but also effective and supportive educators, like Homer who teaches multiple disciplines.
• Diverse Class Offerings: With normally "over 100 classes every week," the gym provides an extensive range of disciplines for all ages and interests, ensuring there's something for everyone.
• State-of-the-Art Equipment: Features specialized equipment such as aerial rigging (two spaces, a little below 5.5 meters), air tracks, mini-tramps, and large pit mats to support safe and effective training.
• Family-Friendly Programs: Offers dedicated classes and camps for kids, teens, and families, including "Family Partner Acrobatics," fostering shared active experiences.
• Focus on Holistic Development: Classes aim to build strength, flexibility, balance, and stability, while also addressing aspects like overcoming fear of inverting and developing fluid movement.
• Convenient Pricing System: Utilizes a credit-based system that offers flexibility, allowing users to purchase credits to access various ongoing offerings without restrictive packages, along with intro offers and monthly subscriptions.
• Positive Impact on Special Needs: Noted for being beneficial for sensory-seeking children and those with conditions like autism, providing a stimulating and accepting environment for movement.

Contact Information

Address: 4770 San Pablo Ave, Emeryville, CA 94608, USA

Phone: (510) 355-1626

Conclusion: Why this place is suitable for locals

For locals in Emeryville and across the vibrant California Bay Area, Athletic Playground offers an unparalleled fitness and movement experience that goes far beyond the conventional gym. Its suitability for residents is deeply rooted in its unique philosophy and inclusive community. For individuals tired of repetitive gym routines or competitive environments, Athletic Playground provides a refreshing alternative, transforming exercise into "playful and communal sports." The opportunity to learn thrilling skills like aerial silks, parkour, and acrobatics in a safe and supportive setting is a rare find in California.

What truly resonates with locals is the "warm and welcoming" community, where everyone feels "embraced" regardless of their skill level. This non-judgmental atmosphere is particularly appealing to parents looking for enriching activities for their children, or adults seeking to explore new physical challenges without pressure. The convenience of its Emeryville location on San Pablo Avenue, coupled with manageable parking and excellent public transport links, makes it highly accessible for daily classes or weekend workshops. With its diverse offerings for all ages, from toddlers to adults, and instructors like Homer who can teach a variety of disciplines with expertise and friendliness, Athletic Playground is not just a gym; it's a hub for physical and personal growth, fostering joy, confidence, and connection through movement. For any Californian seeking a truly engaging, fun, and inclusive way to stay active and explore their physical potential, Athletic Playground is a highly recommended local gem.

Athletic Playground

4770 San Pablo Ave, Emeryville, CA 94608, USA