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testimonials

"Imagine taking a bunch of young adults and putting them in a padded room and telling them it's okay to play like kids again. That's Athletic Playground. Taking Monkey Conditioning here has reminded me that the more I move, the younger my body feels. Classes at this place are fun. You'll enjoy exercising with this vibrant, welcoming community! I have."  - Brett Anne Balamuth

"Sometimes I am happy I live so far away from AP, otherwise I'd be there all the time and never get any work done." - Kathy

"I love exercising my body and mind in a playful atmosphere, among friendly people, using a diversity of equipment, and in a clean and uplifting facility!"  - Zach Pine

"The Athletic Playground is an amazing place for adults to recapture their youth. Climbing, jumping, balancing- getting a workout doing all the moves you loved as a kid. An all adult gym, AP's classes will leave you feeling sore, and yet, smiling and excited to come back. All the instructors are knowledgeable in their art and extremely capable of instructing others. You will learn something new everytime you attend."  - Stephanie Marwan

"Athletic playground is hands down the best place in the bay area to bring out your inner- child, not to mention get a most amazingly buff body in the process! What more could one want?"  - Sally Von Erffa

"My life would be significantly less awesome without the athletic playground." - Jen

"Monkey Conditioning has given me strength, confidence, body awareness and all kinds of cool muscles I never knew I could get. Also, I can now leap over fences, play on my hands, climb poles and spontaneously impress people with random skills. I feel fortunate that I have a place to play every day. The AP could very well be the best thing that ever happened to me!"  - Liz Angoff

"Athletic Playground is one of those extremely rare places that is even cooler in person than it looks online."  - Morgan

"What a unique and special place. I feel so fortunate to have this incredible resource. Where else could you go to have this experience?!"  -Ynez Arce

"This place is unique and wonderful-- the sense of community and genuine playfulness is a rare find in grown-up exercise options. Professional athletes and casual monkeys can all be equally at home here. I'm so grateful to have the Playground in my neighborhood."  - Diana

"I love the Athletic Playground. The classes are fun and challenging, the people are diverse and friendly, and it's actually kind of addicting! Playing hard is the best way to get in shape! I've accomplished feats of athleticism that I never thought I would be able to do, and I'm just getting started. I don't know if I'll ever be able to go back to a "traditional" gym... it's more than a place to work out; it's a playground for adults!"  - Gail Tyler

"The Athletic Playground is the best place for a workout in the Bay Area. How refreshing to train in an environment free of mirrors and image-consciousness that seems to be standard in any gym! They've got exciting classes, competent and inspiring instructors, and a fun and appreciative attitude toward encouraging our bodies to do the best they can : )"  - Aileen

"I love the way that the Athletic Playground helps get you more in touch with your own body. Exercising is no longer a chore, but rather an exploration and discovery of how awesome each of us really is."  -Jen

"One of the best places to try something new and discover talent you didn't know you possessed. This is a great place to gain strength and fitness in new and exciting ways, a perfect oasis from the treadmills and dumbbells!" - Carolyn Hudak

"The playground is a consistently joyful place where my inner child can explore safe touch and my body can return to health with laughter."  - Liv Sara

"Athletic Playground isn't like any gym you've ever been to. You're really working your body and having a GREAT time doing it!!"  - Colleen Swafford

"This is a wonderful place to explore aerial arts and off the wall athleticism." - Kim Adams

"Wow! what fun! kids loved the parkour class and learned so much. was surprised and pleased to learn about techniques and skills involved with parkour. a great activity for active urban kids....fun alternative to martial arts and gymnastics. one of a kind experience!"  - Monique Does

"I signed up my son to kids summer camp and also signed my son up for teen parkour. My kids LOVED it! Both kids are very active, son is extremely athletic, and it's tough to find activities that actually cause him to work hard and get tired. The summer camp did that! We're so excited about the parkour class in the fall!" - Nicole Bandy

"Great place to have some athletic fun and learn tons of great skills for the zombie Apocalypse!" - Travis O.

"In our society kids get to run and jump and fall down and food around. But adults have to sit still and never be foolish. That's silly - as we grow up so does our need for play! The Athletic Playground provides a space where adults can forget all those 'should's' and 'shouldn't's' we've been taught. Want to climb a rope? Great! Want to walk around on your hands? Done. It's what gym class should have been all along. alternatively... Adults are told that the only proper way to exercise is on a treadmill or with a big bar full of weights. Boring! The Athletic Playground offers a completely different perspective: that play of all kinds can be utilized to promote fitness and skill-growth. Come on by and see what all those suckers in gyms are missing out on."  - Jaimie Harrow

"I'm really having fun and getting in shape at the same time. Plus the people are incredibly welcoming and friendly."  - Elizabeth Bernstein

"A place far from the threadmills. Remember when you used to play on the monkey bars as a kid? And you tried to do all the stuff the other kids could? It wasn't about exercising or heart rates, but more along the vein of double-dares or "if s/he can do it it, then I can too." Well, welcome back, this time with more padding on the floor to match the padding we've accumulated along the way."  - Jennie C.

"I'm a Monkey and I love it!!!"  - Kathy Grillo

"I love how my body feels since I have been coming to Monkey Conditioning at Athletic Playground for a month. I feel stronger and taller, and I am having so much fun now that I have found a way to keep in shape for life."  - Barbara McDonald

"I love athletic playground! I learn skills, get a great workout like nowhere else, and it is an affirming community of people."  - Jen S.

"The Athletic Playground changed my life. I discovered new ways to move and challenge my body, new skills to learn, and a warm and supporting community. Come play!"   - Vangelis Chaniotakis

"You won't even believe how freakin' awesome the classes and community at Athletic Playground are! I've never been around so many adults having the time of their lives before! Hurry up and join so you can start having a ridiculously good time while feeling great about your body... (!)"  - Susanna Bee

"A gym for people who hate conventional gyms. No treadmills. No boring aerobics routines. No staring vapidly into space as you pedal your 50th mile on a stationary bike."  - Mikka Domingo Pineda

"At the Athletic Playground, I feel like I'm not only working out, but building skills. There is always something new and exciting happening and every class is different. The camaraderie between all those involved makes going to AP that much more fun--- everyone is just having a good time. Pressure is low, but motivation is high. I have *never* felt this sore and developed such a ripped bod so fast! After only a month, my friends were noticing how great I looked and I have felt stronger, more confident and centered."  - Darci

"The Athletic Playground has an astounding class list, friendly, knowledgeable teachers and hours and hours of fun!"  - Paul Filipowicz

"With both an interest in circus arts and a hatred of conventional gyms, I found a home at the Athletic Playground. Lured in by acro yoga, I discovered not only a tantalizing array of interesting classes, but a community that enjoys learning from and playing with each other."  - Ted Beatie

"Athletic PlayGround is a fantastic fun athletic place for someone who wish to challenge something new. There are variety of classes which taught by high quality of instructors. I fell in love with Aerial from beginning."  - Natsu

"Love that this place is set at PLAY and freedom. It really overs an opportunity to let go of "being perfect" so you can fall on your face, laugh, and get right back up again. It's not a stiff place. It's so much fun!"  - Tieara Myers

"Discovering the Athletic Playground and becoming a member has completely altered the way I think about working out! With so many diverse classes and instructors to choose from I am learning new ways to move my body and challenge myself physically!"  - Kathy Gade

"I look forward to classes at Athletic Playground because I know I will work hard and have a great time. Every time I am there I see someone do something that looks so beautiful or twisted or fun that it inspires me to keep coming back."  - Roxanne Hanson

"The Athletic Playground is one of the best things I've ever discovered. Two years ago, I tried out a Monkey Conditioning class because I was bored with my gym. Since then, I've fallen in love with aerial fabric, discovered new outlets for creativity and expression, and feel the most in shape I have ever been. I love the Playground because you don't have to be experienced or super-fit to try something out. The instructors and community are fun, encouraging, and provide a safe space to learn and move. I'm so grateful to Shira and David and the Playground staff!"  -  Angela (Wen-Yi) Chu


Over 1 year old testimonials:


"I came to AP during a blues night and tried out the monkey conditioning class.  It was the first time I felt both welcomed and challenged, but still had plenty of fun! Since then, I've tried Parkour and AcroYoga, and keep coming back.  Unlike the typical run-of-the-mill gyms, this place has a true community feel.  It's a friendly, motivating group of teachers, and I'd recommend it to anyone - Especially overweight, overwhelmed, physically challenged folks like me!!" - Kate Bolton

 
"I have never liked gyms and mainly avoid going to them. The Athletic Playground is much more than a gym- I am not quite certain what it is. At the Athletic Playground, my inner monkey is invited to come out and play. AP is both a way of exercising, a philosophy, a community and a new way of engaging and providing fitness to those looking for fun and interesting answers to cultivating strength, attuning to one's body and enjoying the entire process. I have never felt so physically strong!" - Tiffany Foo
 
 
"Best time ever, really a great play to push my edge and such a great way to get into great shape -- Being a single mom-- Its so important for me to find ways to put fun into my day--and this is a key solution for me!" -  Kristin Hall
 
 
"I can honestly say that this is the most fun I have ever had working out. I love the Monkey Conditioning classes--I've been working muscles I didn't even know I had (until the next morning...). The AcroYoga classes are new to me and wonderful after searching for a yoga class that I can connect with. Shira and David are friendly, welcoming, and fun. The environment is playful and easy, and great for just about anyone!" - Miriam Marx
 
 
"The Athletic Playground is definitely a positive influence on my life, from becoming more aware of my body capabilities to connecting with a wonderful community. I love it!" - Monika Roy
 
 
"David and Shira's energy is contagious! It took me a while but I finally found the right fit in terms of play and fitness fun. The Athletic Playground revived the child in me." - Jane Wardani
 
 
"This place is great and the people are wonderful- when I come here, I get a chance to really PLAY in a whole-body way, like a big kid, which is a rare opportunity as an adult. I'm so glad this space exists so near my house!" - Diana Strong
 
 
"Monkey Conditioning has greatly affected my health and happiness. The variety and challenge of the class makes it always fun and interesting. The enthusiasm and support of the instructor and participants keep me motivated and make me feel great. I'm the strongest I've ever been. It's my favorite way to start the day! The variety and uniqueness of the classes at Athletic Playground keep me motivated and actually excited to get exercise. Exercise has become play again- just like when I was a kid!" - Dana Arkinzadeh
 
 
"The Athletic Playground has been a place, more than worthy of my time, energy and money. the people and their philosophy on life and love of moving have been incredibly motivating for me. I am very inspired by their openness, creativity and energy. Not many businesses stay true to their original core values, but so far, the owners have kept to theirs. Love you guys!!!!" - Rachel Baker
 
 
"I didn't think I'd be able to do acrobatics at all since I didn't start as a kid - now as an adult I'm learning to do aerials, tumbling, breakdancing, trapeze and handstands! It's unbelievable but I can actually do this stuff and I'm stronger than I've ever been. I love the Playground!" - Liz Outlaw
 
 
"The Athletic Playground has become a very positive and exciting part of my life. I feel empowered physically by challenging myself to learn new ways of moving, and I take that feeling with me into my other activities and my life. The community is embracing and supportive, and I recommend the Playground to everyone I know!" - Mira Barakat
 
 
"The Athletic Playground offers circus skills in a fun and relaxed, friendly atmosphere. Very welcoming, everyone is invited to participate!" - Tyler Blank
 
 
"When I'm at the athletic playground I never want to leave!! Its addictive and inspiring!" - Terra Mendes
 

"I've been looking for a gym like AP my entire life. Challenging classes, great supportive community, and I actually look forward to going to the gym! " - Inna Volynskaya
 

"Fantastic Functional Fun!!!"
 
 
"Athletic Playground offers classes that are challenging, fun, friendly, and allow your inner child out to play!"
 
 
"Athletic Playground is a very unique and diverse fitness experience! I loved the thrill of Aerial Experimentation." - Cat D.
 
 
"Athletic Playground is so unique in the types of classes they offer allowing you to work on strength and flexibility that you never thought possible. The instructors are all fabulous and cater to both beginner and advanced students giving everyone the individual attention they need" - Kathy Gade

 
"I don't know of any other gym like the Playground. There's a real sense of community, and the opportunity to really physically PLAY that is rare to find as an adult. Thanks for making such a special place Shira and David!" - Diana
 
 
"This is not like 'exercise' or 'going to the gym.' It's like going back to being 8 years old, when running around and learning how to do tricks with your body was just innately fun. Everyone should get a chance to do things like this!" - Jen
 
 
"The teachers and students as a community make this place the most enjoyable and supportive venue I have experienced in helping to improve my acrobatic skills."
 
 
"There should be an Athletic Playground everywhere! It's awesome to see folks of all ages participating and working their bodies. It makes taking care of your body too much fun!"
 
 
"A really different way of 'going to gym'. A lot more interesting. And, really, a better work out. I am not a "gym" person, but I could get addicted to the Athletic Playground" - Amy M.
 
 
"Athletic Playground saves my life on a daily basis! much love" - Cecil Sparrow
 
 
"The Athletic Playground is more than a place to workout, it's a place to grow and commune." - Caitlyn Kilgore
 
 
"Simply put, this place rocks! I got roped into the Athletic Playground through a friend who kept on extolling its virtues, and AP did not disappoint. The classes are not only a great workout, but more importantly to me, they are tons of fun. I started with AcroYoga class for strengthening and flexibility without really knowing what the class was about, and by the end of the day I was doing things I would not have even thought possible. Throw in good people with a very inclusive community and the Athletic Playground is hard to beat. My only qualm is that I don't have more time to be there!" - Arran Blattel
 

"The community atmosphere is really supportive. It keeps me coming back."
 

"Athletic Playground is an awesome space for learning, practice and skill share! My stamina & performances have improved drastically since I started the taking classes they offer!" -Leah Pesner
 

"This place is great for people who are interactive exercisers. the creative element to the athletic playground lets you express yourself through physicality. I value the athletic playground because it lets me be myself, have fun and get in shape"
 

"The Athletic Playground is a great innovation in providing physical activity for adults, nowhere else has such diverse classes, such a playful and supportive environment, and such a welcoming community. If you like to move, I highly recommend checking it out!" - SAM Luckey