Tempest Freerunning Academy is a parkour gym chain with locations across the United States
Tempest Freerunning Academy operates parkour training facilities where you can learn movement skills like vaulting, wall runs, precision jumps, and flow techniques on padded obstacles and ramps. The gym offers classes for different age groups and skill levels, from absolute beginners to advanced athletes. You pay membership or class fees to use the facility and attend instruction.
The chain has multiple locations, primarily in California and other states, though the exact number and addresses change over time. Each location typically has its own schedule, pricing, and instructor team. You'll need to check the specific gym nearest you for current hours, membership costs, and what classes they offer this month.
Key Takeaways
- Tempest Freerunning Academy runs parkour gyms where you learn movement and obstacle skills in a controlled indoor environment with padded equipment.
- Classes are organized by age and skill level, so beginners and experienced athletes train separately with instruction matched to their progress.
- You pay either per-class or monthly membership fees; pricing varies by location and what type of membership you choose.
- Each location has its own schedule and staff, so you need to contact or visit the gym closest to you for current pricing and class times.
How classes are structured at Tempest locations
Most Tempest gyms organize classes by age bracket and experience level. You might see categories like "Little Ninjas" for young children, "Youth" for school-age kids, "Teen" for adolescents, and "Adult" for grown-ups. Within each age group, classes are often split into beginner, intermediate, and advanced tracks so you train with people at a similar stage.
A typical class session lasts 45 minutes to an hour. An instructor leads you through warm-ups, teaches a specific skill or movement pattern, then gives you time to practice on the gym's obstacles. The padded walls, foam pits, balance beams, and vault boxes let you try movements safely without the risk of hard landings you'd face outdoors.
Some locations also offer open gym time where you can come in without a structured class, practice on your own, and ask staff questions. This works well if you want to drill specific skills or train at your own pace rather than follow a set curriculum.
Membership and payment options
Tempest gyms typically offer two main ways to pay: monthly memberships or drop-in class passes. A monthly membership usually gives you unlimited access to classes during a set period, which is cheaper per visit if you plan to come regularly. Drop-in passes let you pay for individual classes or a small package of classes without committing to a full month.
Pricing varies significantly by location. A gym in a major city may charge more than one in a smaller town. Some locations offer discounts for siblings, annual prepayment, or first-time visitors. The best way to find out what a specific Tempest gym costs is to contact them directly or visit their website, since rates change and each location sets its own fees.
Many gyms also require a waiver before your first visit. This is a legal form where you acknowledge the physical nature of parkour training and any risks involved. You typically fill this out online or on paper before your first class.
What to bring and what to expect on your first visit
Wear comfortable clothes you can move in — athletic wear, shorts, or joggers work well. Bring water to stay hydrated during class. Most gyms ask you to remove your shoes and train in socks or barefoot so you have better grip on the equipment. Some people wear grip socks designed for parkour, but regular athletic socks are fine to start.
Arrive a few minutes early so you can check in, fill out any paperwork, and let the instructor know you're new. They'll show you around the gym, explain the equipment, and let you know what to expect during class. Instructors are used to beginners and will scale movements so you can participate safely at your own level.
The gym environment is usually welcoming to people of all ages and backgrounds. You'll train alongside other beginners and more experienced athletes. Most classes have a mix of people working toward different goals — some training for fitness, others for sport, others just for fun.
What skills you'll learn at a Tempest gym
Parkour training at Tempest focuses on fundamental movement patterns that build strength, balance, and body awareness. Early classes teach basic skills like proper landing technique, balance on narrow surfaces, and how to safely vault over obstacles. You learn how to fall and roll to protect yourself, which is important for any movement practice.
As you progress, you work on more complex movements: wall runs where you run up a vertical surface and push off, precision jumps between platforms, cat balances where you hang and traverse along a ledge, and flow sequences that chain multiple movements together smoothly. Advanced athletes work on speed, height, and creative combinations.
The training also builds practical fitness — strength in your legs, core, and upper body; cardiovascular endurance; and coordination. Many people find parkour training more engaging than traditional gym work because you're learning a skill rather than just repeating exercises.
How to find the Tempest location nearest you
Tempest Freerunning Academy has locations in multiple states, but the easiest way to find one near you is to search online for "Tempest Freerunning Academy" plus your city or region. Their main website lists active locations with addresses and contact information. You can also call or email a location directly to ask about their current schedule and pricing.
If there's no Tempest gym in your when ready area, you might look for other parkour gyms or movement training facilities nearby. Many cities have independent parkour gyms or gymnastics facilities that offer similar classes. A quick search for "parkour gym near me" or "movement training" in your area can show you what's available locally.
Safety considerations and what instructors watch for
Parkour is a physical activity that carries some injury risk, like any sport. Tempest gyms reduce that risk by using padded equipment, teaching proper technique, and keeping classes small enough that instructors can watch each person. Instructors will stop you if you're attempting something beyond your current skill level or if your form is unsafe.
The gym environment is much safer than training outdoors because the obstacles are designed for practice, the surfaces are padded, and there are no hard edges or unforgiving ground. You're learning in a controlled setting before you ever try movements outside.
If you have any injuries, joint problems, or physical limitations, mention them to the instructor before class. They can modify movements or suggest alternatives so you can still participate safely. Parkour training can actually help build strength and stability in weak areas, but the instructor needs to know what to watch for.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need any experience to start at Tempest?
No. Tempest classes are designed for beginners with no parkour background. You'll start with basic movements and progress at your own pace. Instructors teach proper technique from the ground up, so you're not expected to know anything before your first class.
What age can kids start parkour training?
Most Tempest locations accept children as young as 4 or 5 years old in their "Little Ninjas" or similar beginner programs. The exact age depends on the specific gym. Contact your local Tempest location to ask what age groups they serve and what class options exist for your child.
Is parkour training expensive compared to other gyms?
Pricing varies by location, but parkour gyms are generally comparable to gymnastics facilities or CrossFit boxes. Monthly memberships typically range from moderate to higher-end depending on your area. Many gyms offer first-class discounts or trial periods so you can try it before committing to a membership.
Can adults train at Tempest, or is it mainly for kids?
Tempest welcomes adults. Most locations offer adult classes specifically for grown-ups, and many adults train in the same facility as younger athletes. Adult classes are usually scheduled at different times and may focus on different goals than youth classes.
What happens if I get injured during class?
The gym has staff on site and should have first aid supplies and emergency procedures in place. Before you start, you'll sign a waiver that explains the risks and how the gym handles injuries. If you have a serious injury, the gym will contact emergency services. This is why it's important to tell instructors about any existing injuries or physical limitations.