When asking yourself about something to do near me in Boulder with a group of friends or family, consider
Ape Co Movement School
Why Ape Co Movement School is a fun option when searching for things to do near me with friends and family
Ape Co Movement School is a vibrant community-centered organization with locations in Boulder and Denver, Colorado, dedicated to teaching movement arts to individuals of all ages, backgrounds, and experience levels. What sets Ape Co apart is its holistic, inclusive approach that goes beyond conventional fitness to focus on physical strength, flexibility, balance, mobility, and improvisation. Their classes incorporate playful games, skill-building exercises, creative movement, and teamwork to foster not only physical wellness but also connection among participants. Founded on the philosophy that movement empowers and builds community, the school offers a diverse range of classes including strength training, handstands, acrobatics, and mobility. Their team of dedicated instructors have trained with world-renowned experts like Ido Portal and Shai Farran, ensuring cutting-edge, quality training tailored to individual growth. The welcoming environment encourages students to feel more confident in their bodies and engaged with their peers, making Ape Co a perfect place for friends to meet, learn new skills, and support each other’s progress in a nurturing setting. Furthermore, Ape Co offers fiscal sponsorship through the Boulder County Arts Alliance, which allows it to receive tax-deductible donations, demonstrating its strong community ties and commitment to accessibility.
Here's what people think of Ape Co Movement School
As of recent, Ape Co Movement School holds a 5-star rating based on 68 reviews.
Reviewers consistently rate Ape Co Movement School with a perfect 5.0 rating based on 68 reviews, highlighting strong user satisfaction. Many users praise the expert, compassionate instructors, noting how the custom, individualized training plans address each person's unique needs and abilities. Positive reviews emphasize the inclusive, supportive atmosphere that enables students to push boundaries safely and enjoyably. Several specifically mention improvements in strength, mobility, and confidence, as well as appreciating the school's creative and playful take on movement which makes classes engaging and fun. The strong sense of community fostered at Ape Co frequently appears as a standout quality in positive feedback, with students feeling welcomed and motivated. On the other hand, negative reviews are minimal but occasionally point to class scheduling or availability limitations, which can affect some participants’ ability to attend regularly. A few users have noted the challenge of progressing at times when balancing personalized attention with group class dynamics, though this is not a common theme. Overall, the overwhelmingly positive testimonials reflect Ape Co’s success in delivering world-class movement education that transforms lives physically and socially. The school’s reputation as both a highly effective training environment and a warm, empowering community is well-established through these reviews.
Highlights from reviewers (Most Relevant)
Hannah Montovani
I dropped in to Ape Co when I was visiting Boulder and I was so impressed! Robert and Shaughn were great, I had a great time and they helped me fine-tune my handstand practice after just one class. Highly recommended!
Hannah Montovani
I dropped in to Ape Co when I was visiting Boulder and I was so impressed! Robert and Shaughn were great, I had a great time and they helped me fine-tune my handstand practice after just one class. Highly recommended!
Harrison Goldwyn
As many others have said, this is a very special place. I moved across the country to learn from Matt and the many other wise teachers here who have learned to become athletes as adults. Ape Co teachers understand how to guide others through the process with both loving kindness and strict discipline. Come move with us and you'll come away with physical capacities you'd thought impossible and a community of growth-oriented people absolutely psyched to practice strength, agility, acrobatics, dance, and whatever else humans do.
Cyrus Khan
A home for anyone with a passion for movement. The BoMoCo is composed of a wise set of teachers that expertly guide you through your movement journey, making you stronger, more mobile, playful and happy along the way. If you're an athlete in any discipline looking for more well roundedness, a lay person looking for fitness or just want to add more movement to your life, this is the place. And an excellent and supportive community of students awaits you as well.
Kristin Kremers
The community and teachers at Apeco were a big part of why I moved to Boulder. 🙏🏻 I will always be grateful for this gym.
Ian Basinger
The Apeco teachers and students have created an amazing community of movers of all skill levels and disciplines. Whether you've had a strong dedicated movement practice for years or you've never felt comfortable in sports/gyms/etc. The classes are designed to meet you where you're at and help you grow. This practice and this community has made my life better in more meaningful ways than just feeling stronger and more capable in my body. And i truly can't recommend it enough. Check it out, I can guarantee that you'll find something valuable here. And they offer a free first week!
Harrison Goldwyn
As many others have said, this is a very special place. I moved across the country to learn from Matt and the many other wise teachers here who have learned to become athletes as adults. Ape Co teachers understand how to guide others through the process with both loving kindness and strict discipline. Come move with us and you'll come away with physical capacities you'd thought impossible and a community of growth-oriented people absolutely psyched to practice strength, agility, acrobatics, dance, and whatever else humans do.
Cyrus Khan
A home for anyone with a passion for movement. The BoMoCo is composed of a wise set of teachers that expertly guide you through your movement journey, making you stronger, more mobile, playful and happy along the way. If you're an athlete in any discipline looking for more well roundedness, a lay person looking for fitness or just want to add more movement to your life, this is the place. And an excellent and supportive community of students awaits you as well.
Kristin Kremers
The community and teachers at Apeco were a big part of why I moved to Boulder. 🙏🏻 I will always be grateful for this gym.
Ian Basinger
The Apeco teachers and students have created an amazing community of movers of all skill levels and disciplines. Whether you've had a strong dedicated movement practice for years or you've never felt comfortable in sports/gyms/etc. The classes are designed to meet you where you're at and help you grow. This practice and this community has made my life better in more meaningful ways than just feeling stronger and more capable in my body. And i truly can't recommend it enough. Check it out, I can guarantee that you'll find something valuable here. And they offer a free first week!
How to reach Ape Co Movement School
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Why Ape Co Movement School may become Your Favorite Meetup Place for Catching Up, Celebrating or Just Hanging Out
Why rally at Ape Co Movement School with your friends? Because it offers more than just a workout—it's a vibrant community space designed to enhance physical mobility and foster connection through movement. This is not your typical gym experience; Ape Co emphasizes playful, mindful movement that challenges your body and mind while encouraging laughter, creativity, and group engagement. When you bring friends here, you’re not only investing in your own health but also sharing a unique journey of discovery and growth. The school's welcoming environment, expert instructors, and innovative approach to mobility make it a perfect place to bond and create lasting memories. Whether you're looking to improve everyday function or try something novel and invigorating together, the supportive group setting at Ape Co helps each participant feel comfortable and motivated. Meeting here promises a collective boost in energy and wellness—the perfect break from routine that’s as fun socially as it is physically rewarding.
What activities can you and your group enjoy at Ape Co Movement School?
Ape Co Movement School offers a rich variety of activities centered around mobility, strength, acrobatics, and play. Their signature approach combines structured skill-building with elements of improvisation and games that make moving enjoyable for all skill levels. You and your friends can dive into group classes that emphasize mobility drills, handbalancing, and acrobatic preparation. Beginners will benefit from gentle introductions to foundational movements like crawling, cartwheels, and basic handstands, while more experienced participants can focus on specific skills tailored to their personal goals. The classes also incorporate movement puzzles and games, which help build agility and coordination in a low-pressure, playful way. This variety ensures that every group member can find something that suits their interests and comfort level. Additionally, the balance of structured training and freeform improvisation lets groups experiment creatively together, turning the session into a lively movement party. This dynamic blend of activity types makes Ape Co a perfect venue for groups looking to move beyond typical gym routines into something both physically and socially enriching.
Why is Ape Co Movement School ideal for a group meetup?
Ape Co’s welcoming community and emphasis on collaboration are key reasons it excels as a group meetup spot. The instructors foster a supportive environment that encourages everyone, regardless of experience, to participate fully and without judgment. This inclusivity builds camaraderie as friends cheer each other on, share discoveries, and laugh through challenging yet fun exercises. Having multiple locations in Denver’s Edgewater neighborhood and Boulder also makes it convenient for many groups to access. The spacious studios provide room for group dynamics and interaction, with floor plans designed to facilitate both individual skill practice and collective activities. Moreover, the school's focus on playful learning through movement puzzles and games naturally promotes cooperation and creative problem-solving—qualities that enhance social bonding. By offering specialized handbalancing drills and acrobatic progressions alongside improvisational sessions, Ape Co creates shared experiences that help groups connect in new and exciting ways. This sense of community combined with physical challenge makes Ape Co a standout choice for friends or family seeking an active, memorable meetup.
What specific movement styles and training methods are used at Ape Co Movement School?
The training philosophy at Ape Co draws inspiration from forward-thinking mobility systems advocated by figures like Ido Portal, focusing on expanding the body's range of motion, strength, and functionality. Classes are designed to awaken and engage seldom-used muscles and movement patterns that contribute to greater ease in everyday activities. This includes specialized mobility drills that encourage fluid, controlled joint movement and better structural integration. The school’s handbalancing and acrobatic preparation targets body awareness, balance, and core strength through progressive drills tailored to each participant’s level. There is also an emphasis on integrating these new skills with playful improvisation, encouraging students to explore movement creatively in a non-competitive environment. Games and movement puzzles enhance learning by reducing the fear of failure and boosting motivation. This holistic method of teaching offers both scientifically informed practices and playful engagement, ensuring that participants not only improve their physical capabilities but also enjoy the experience thoroughly.
How can newcomers and different skill levels participate together effectively?
Ape Co Movement School prides itself on meeting each person where they are in their movement journey. Whether someone in your group is completely new to mobility training or has a background in gymnastics or dance, the instructors tailor the experience accordingly. Beginners receive patient, step-by-step guidance to safely acquire foundational skills like basic coordination, balance, and mobility without feeling overwhelmed. More advanced movers can pursue specialized drills to refine handstands, acrobatics, or flexibility, often with individualized coaching. The inclusive atmosphere means participants support each other regardless of skill gap, making group meetups feel encouraging and unifying rather than competitive. The school’s use of playful games and experiments further evens the playing field by shifting focus to exploration and fun, allowing everyone to contribute and celebrate progress. This adaptability makes Ape Co particularly well-suited for mixed-ability groups who want a shared yet personalized movement experience.
What does the atmosphere and community at Ape Co Movement School feel like?
The atmosphere at Ape Co Movement School is often described as vibrant, supportive, and joyful. The focus on community is palpable the moment you walk into their Boulder or Edgewater locations. Instructors and participants alike value a down-to-earth vibe where learning is accompanied by plenty of smiles and laughter. The culture encourages curiosity and creative problem-solving, which helps reduce anxiety about trying new skills or making mistakes. Group classes feel more like collaborative gatherings than formal workouts, with natural social interaction built into each session through partner work, games, and shared challenges. This positive energy enhances both motivation and retention of skills. Many attendees comment on the deep friendships formed and how the school fosters a sense of belonging. All these elements contribute to making Ape Co Movement School an inviting space not just for physical improvement but for meaningful social connection.
What facilities and locations do Ape Co Movement School offer for your meetup?
Ape Co Movement School operates two major studios in Colorado, located in Edgewater (Denver area) and Boulder. Both venues are spacious, clean, and designed specifically to accommodate a variety of movement practices. The studios feature large mirrors to help with self-observation, ample floor space for free movement, and equipment suited for mobility and handbalancing work. The Boulder location's address at 4745 Walnut St. Unit 200 situates it conveniently within a bustling area accessible to local and visiting groups. Similarly, the Edgewater studio at 5461 W. 20th Ave. offers an easily reachable spot within Denver’s fitness community. The facilities are equipped not only for classes but also for personalized coaching and open practice sessions, providing flexible options for groups of different sizes and interests. These thoughtfully maintained spaces enhance the experience by offering a comfortable environment that promotes focus, safety, and connection during group meetups.
How do technology and convenience features enhance the Ape Co Movement School experience?
Ape Co leverages technology to make class scheduling and participation seamless for groups and individuals alike. Their dedicated mobile app allows users to easily book classes, manage memberships, and add sessions to personal calendars, supporting smooth group planning and coordination. The app’s simple interface ensures that even newcomers can quickly access class information and register without hassle. Offering 14-day free trial periods encourages new groups to explore the school risk-free. This tech integration extends the school's philosophy of removing barriers and enhancing accessibility for everyone. By combining cutting-edge mobility training with convenient digital tools, Ape Co Movement School ensures that your group can focus on enjoying the experience instead of logistical complexities. This efficiency further positions Ape Co as an ideal venue for hassle-free and enjoyable social meetups centered on movement and wellness.
What makes Ape Co Movement School’s approach to movement uniquely beneficial for groups?
Ape Co Movement School stands out by marrying expert movement science with an emphasis on fun, creativity, and social bonding. Unlike traditional gyms focused primarily on repetitive strength exercises or cardio, Ape Co’s classes encourage participants to rediscover their bodies through playful exploration. This approach helps groups challenge physical limitations positively while strengthening interpersonal connections. The use of movement games, improvisation, and skill puzzles encourages cooperation and shared problem-solving, increasing group cohesion. Additionally, the school’s grounding in research-backed mobility techniques ensures that participants build sustainable movement habits that translate beyond the studio into daily life. The inclusive and adaptive teaching style invites a diverse mix of ages and abilities, making it easy for groups with varied fitness backgrounds to engage meaningfully together. These qualities combine to create memorable, health-transforming experiences that nurture both body and community.
In summary, Ape Co Movement School is not only highly rated for excellence in mobility training but is uniquely designed as a dynamic and welcoming environment for groups. Its broad range of activities, supportive culture, convenient locations, and commitment to playful yet scientifically informed movement make it an outstanding choice for hosting meetups with friends and family. Whether you want to improve your physical health, try something new, or simply enjoy quality time moving and laughing together, Ape Co delivers an enriching and unforgettable collective experience.